See those ads for online food allergy tests? Buyer beware
During my years as a dietitian I have worked with people with food allergies and intolerance as well as children and adults with metabolic disorders.
If these patients did not follow prescribed food plans, their symptoms could range from atopic dermatitis, respiratory issues, GI problems, and in the case of the metabolic disorders, death.
I understand the consequences of making the wrong food choices.
Beware of online food allergy tests
That is why I found the article in a recent issue of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology so interesting. Researchers in the UK investigated the validity of direct-to-consumer (DTC) allergy tests. These tests are often advertised online on “scientific” looking websites with lots of testimonials.
The article states that Ieucocytotoxic tests and IgG testing being offered are neither valid nor reliable for identifying food allergies. Even IgE testing, which is a blood test used in conventional medicine, has a sensitivity of identifying food allergy of 60-95%.
The result of taking one of these online tests, in addition to a hit in the wallet, is that you can end up over-restricting the foods you allow yourself to eat. These researchers contacted 22 companies in the UK doing DTC allergy testing and only one was an accredited lab. I would assume the U.S. would have similar results.
Eliminating foods is the way to go
An elimination diet is the gold standard for identifying food allergies, intolerance and sensitivities. For two to four weeks, allergenic and foods you suspect are causing problems are eliminated from your daily intake. This is followed by a methodical reintroduction of the eliminated foods. This process helps you pinpoint foods that make you feel unwell.
I’ve done this and learned my specific food triggers.
I suggest this be done with a registered dietitian nutritionist since if not carefully planned, nutrient deficiencies are possible. The advice I always give my clients is if eating something makes you feel sick, don’t eat it.
Sheah Rarback MS, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist in private practice in Miami.