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Medically reviewed by Marc Meth, MD, FACAAI, FAAAI — Written by Ruth Eagle — Updated on July 17, 2022 We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. At-home food sensitivity tests are an option for people who suspect they are experiencing symptoms due to consuming certain foods. However, such tests cannot provide a reliable clinical diagnosis.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), approximately 32 million people have food allergies in the U.S. At-home food sensitivity tests can help a person gain insight into which foods may be causing uncomfortable digestive symptoms or allergic reactions. However, an at-home food sensitivity test does not replace clinical diagnosis or treatment. There is no scientific evidence that suggests these tests have clinical value. This article discusses food sensitivities, when to take a test, how these work, and four of the best at-home tests available online. Three commonly used terms describing reactions to food are:
Food allergy usually leads to the most severe reaction to a specific food, caused by the body’s immune system reacting to a substance. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology lists the most common trigger foods as:
Sensitivity and intolerance refer to the body’s inability to process or digest certain foods. This can cause a mild immune reaction and potentially lead to a wide range of symptoms, including:
Food sensitivities may change over time as a person’s immune system and gut microbiome change. Learn more about the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance here. What are common food sensitivities?Some commonly reported food sensitivities include:
The cost of testing kits is often lower than visiting a dietitian or an allergist. However, insurance plans do not cover at-home tests. Studies have not proven the reliability of at-home food sensitivity tests. Some research suggests that they do not receive endorsement until scientific studies support their use. People may take an at-home test as a precursor to visiting a healthcare professional for reliable confirmation of food sensitivities. However, they may save time and money by going directly to a professional for diagnosis. When to contact a doctorA person should consult a doctor if they regularly experience:
A doctor might be able to diagnose the problem from a person’s symptoms and medical history. If not, they can order further tests to investigate the cause. An at-home test is not a replacement for a clinical diagnosis and doctor-recommended treatments. A person should see a doctor if they suspect they have a food allergy or are experiencing severe and ongoing symptoms, as medical attention is necessary. Avoiding certain foods because a person mistakenly believes they have food sensitivities or allergies can cause harm to their overall health. A clinical diagnosis is the most useful for making safe dietary choices. At-home food sensitivity testing kits require a person to submit a sample, which could be:
Blood, hair, and swab tests can take a few weeks for results. A few things a person should consider to help choose a food sensitivity test are:
MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:
Below are some of the best at-home food sensitivity tests a person can find online. Best for free doctor consultations: MyLAB Box
This test looks at the body’s immune response to 96 foods. Additionally, the company offers free consultations with a doctor. Some examples of the food sensitivities it tests for include:
Learn more about MyLAB Box here. MyLAB Box accepts a flexible spending account (FSA) and a health savings account (HSA) as payment. Additionally, the company offers free shipping. Best breath test: FoodMarble
FoodMarble tests for levels of hydrogen in the breath through a breath tracker device. This indicates how much undigested food is in the gut. Some examples of the food sensitivities this tests for include:
The device connects with the FoodMarble app. To use the test, a person must log their food in the app and breathe into the breath tracker. The results are available immediately. Learn more about the FoodMarble brand. Best for easy-to-read results: Vitagene
This test screens for sensitivities to 96 food items. Each test undergoes review by an independent board certified doctor, and the results are available online through a secure portal in an easy-to-read format. A few food sensitivities that the Vitagene test searches for include:
Vitagene offers free shipping and accepts FSA and HSA payments. Best for meal planning assistance: DNAfit
The test offers 11 diet insights and 13 nutrition insights. This tests for sensitivities to various food groups, including:
The company also claims that it screens a person’s DNA to offer each person a unique meal plan that may help reduce symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea. The following table compares some of the best food sensitivity tests. People may wish to consider the following when choosing an at-home test:
Below are answers to some of the top frequently asked questions about at-home food sensitivity tests. Does insurance cover at-home food sensitivity tests?Most insurance companies do not offer financial help for at-home food sensitivity tests. However, some insurance providers may cover the cost of a food test at a doctor’s office. If a person has insurance, they should contact their insurance provider to check which tests they cover. Can an at-home food sensitivity test diagnose a food allergy?Currently, no at-home food sensitivity tests can diagnose food allergies. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology states that at-home food allergy tests may not provide accurate results. A person should follow up on any positive test results with a doctor. Learn more about allergy testing here. Is a food sensitivity the same as a food allergy?Food sensitivities or intolerances are different from food allergies. Food sensitivities are not life threatening. Moreover, the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom explains that sensitivity to specific foods causes bloating, nausea, wind, and abdominal pain after a person eats the food. By contrast, food allergy occurs when the immune system treats certain food as an infection. This causes allergy symptoms, such as wheezing, itching, and skin rashes, and it can be life threatening. If someone experiences a food allergy, they should seek immediate medical advice. Can you reverse food sensitivities?Food sensitivities are reversible. People can eliminate the food they are sensitive to and reintroduce it to their diet once the body has had time to heal. Food allergies result from the body producing antibodies, whereas food sensitivities result in inflammation. This inflammation is reversible, but antibody production is not. At-home food sensitivity tests are not scientifically proven to pinpoint food sensitivities. A person should not change their diet in line with at-home food sensitivity results without seeking medical advice first, as they may be cutting out food groups that keep the diet balanced. However, some people may prefer to try an at-home test before seeking a professional diagnosis and guidance. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2022 |