20 April 2019 Blog Post: "Any opinions on the science behind this food allergy test or others like it?"

A patient direct messaged me the following: “Any opinions on the science behind this food allergy test or others like it?”
Β 

My answer: Who needs an opinion when there are data! A fast click on the link reveals the method used in this testing protocol – namely “IgG Reactivity to 96 Foods.” Turning to the evidence… There are several validated, standardized, and accepted tests for the evaluation of food allergy and intolerance. However, there are also a large number of other tests for these conditions that are promoted by various laboratories and practitioners who are not allergy specialists [Kelso JM, 2018]. The clinical utility of food-specific IgG tests has not been established, a fact that even some laboratories performing these assays acknowledge. A position statement from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) concludes “food-specific IgG4 does not indicate (imminent) food allergy or intolerance, but rather a physiological response of the immune system after exposition to food components. Therefore, testing of IgG4 to foods is considered as irrelevant for the laboratory work-up of food allergy or intolerance and should not be performed in case of food-related complaints” [Stapel SO et al, 2008]. So… the $159 is probably better spent elsewhere.

𝗦𝗢𝗴𝗻 𝗨𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 π—’π˜‚π—Ώ π—‘π—²π˜„π˜€π—Ήπ—²π˜π˜π—²π—Ώ

Dig deeper into the health topics you care about most by signing up for our newsletter.

by submitting this form you indicate you have
read and agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms
of Use. Please contact us to for us for more
information.

Recommended Posts

No comment yet, add your voice below!


Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *