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Have you ever consumed a particular type of food and felt some discomforting symptoms afterward? Or perhaps this happens to you every time you eat a specific type of food?
If you’ve experienced this before, chances are you might be sensitive to those types of foods. The sensitivity can trigger various symptoms, including bloating, stomach pain, cramps, constipation, and other digestive issues. One may also experience headaches, joint pain, runny nose, and skin issues. But to confirm the problem, you’ll need to conduct a food sensitivity test.
What is a food sensitivity test?
Food sensitivity tests are conducted to examine your immune system’s reaction to various types of foods. Different types of samples can be used to test one’s food sensitivity. The test can be done using cheek swabs, hair strands, breath tests, or blood samples. It all depends on the type of testing kit used.
Speaking of which, food sensitivity tests can be conducted at home or in a health facility. At-home food sensitivity test kits are usually more convenient. They can also be cheaper than clinical diagnosis. However, health insurance plans usually don’t cover the cost of at-home food sensitivity tests. Moreover, there aren’t enough clinical studies showing the reliability of at-home food sensitivity test kits.
That said, these test kits are a great option for identifying potential food sensitivity issues before contacting a physician.
It’s also important to get the difference between food sensitivity, food intolerance, and food allergy. All three issues are related to adverse reactions caused by the consumption of specific foods. However, most professionals identify them differently.
Food sensitivity and intolerance are usually not life-threatening. Sure, they can make one sick, but they are not as serious as food allergies. Food allergies are life-threatening food reactions involving Immunoglobulin E (IgE).
Let’s now look at some of the best food sensitivity tests you can buy.
Three best food sensitivity tests
At-home food sensitivity tests are pretty easy to purchase. You can easily order them online without a prescription. And while there are dozens of these kits, very few of them are actually good at screening food sensitivities.
So here’s our list of the top three food sensitivity tests:
1. Everlywell
Everlywell is the best food sensitivity test kit overall. The kit tests for food sensitivity to 96 types of foods. The company also has a more robust kit called the “Food Sensitivity Comprehensive Test,” which tests IgG reactivity to around 204 foods.
Everlywell tests for different types of foods, including dairy, eggs, fruits, legumes, grains, meat, seafood, vegetables, spices, seeds, and nuts.
The test uses a blood sample, and it comes with all the tools you need for collection. There is also a detailed step-by-step video showing how to collect the sample correctly.
Once you collect and send back the sample, the company will get back to you with the results within five days. The samples are analyzed in CLIA-certified labs, and the results are reviewed by an independent board-certified physician from your state.
Everlywell is also HIPAA compliant, so your personal data and results are well secured.
One of the great things about Everlywell food sensitivity test is users get a group webinar with a medical practitioner. They also provide free shipping and accept HSA and FSA.
Go to Everlywell2. DNAfit
DNAfit uses a saliva swab sample to test for lactose intolerance and food sensitivity to different foods, including minerals, vitamins, and so on. DNAfit also gives you access to personalized meal plans and recipes. You can also pay for additional services, including consultation with dietitians and fitness professionals.
Testing for food sensitivity with this kit is also pretty straightforward. First, you need to order the kit from the official DNAfit website. Next, use the saliva swab to collect your sample. Send the sample back to DNAfit, where it will be analyzed in accredited laboratories. You should then have your results in 10-15 days.
The results will include 11 reports on diet insights and 13 reports on nutrient insights. These insights will help you personalize your diet for fewer sensitivity issues and generally healthier life. The genetic nutrition report will also show you the diet types, lactose tolerance, and vitamin needs that align with your genetics.
Go to DNAfit3. Vitagene
The Vitagene food sensitivity test will use your DNA to test how your genetics react to different food types. It’ll show your body’s tolerance to gluten, caffeine, lactose, fats, carbs, sodium, and even alcohol. You’ll also receive a customized meal plan.
Besides the diet report, Vitagene also produces an ancestry report. This report presents your global ancestry showing where you came from. It includes an interactive ethnic map and regional percentages.
Another interesting report from a Vitagene test is on exercises. This shows the types of exercises best suited for you based on your DNA. Not only that, but it will also tell you the ideal exercise frequency and intensity for you. The report shows your ability to gain or build lean muscle mass, your weight response to exercise, blood pressure response to exercise, power vs endurance body type, exercise behavior, muscle cramps, and an interactive workout planner.
The fourth type of report is on supplements. This report shows the best supplements for you as informed by your DNA analysis. The report can also be personalized based on your health conditions, medications, and overall health & fitness goals.
The reports include top-recommended supplements, dosages, and reasons for the recommendation. Additionally, it shows your genetic risk level for different nutrients, SNPs and Genotypes, and scientific research.
Another advantage with Vitagene is you don’t have to take the test if you did DNA tests in the past. The company allows you to use raw data from previous DNA tests to get the four reports discussed above. However, they only accept raw DNA files from three companies; MyHeritage, 23andMe, and AncestryDNA.
A noteworthy drawback with Vitagene is the upsells. The company will try to upsell you to different supplements based on the results of your food sensitivity test.
Another challenge with Vitagene is it usually takes longer to produce results. While the other two options can get you results in a few days, this test takes four to six weeks.
Go to VitageneFood sensitivity tests buying guide
With dozen of food sensitivity test kits on the market, it’s worth discussing the selection criteria used to identify the best food sensitivity tests. Here are some of the factors we evaluated when picking the test kits above:
Speed
Most food sensitivity tests deliver results within days of receiving your sample. The results are available online, but some companies will allow you to print them.
Everlywell and DNAfit deliver results within days. Vitagene takes longer, but they do produce comprehensive reports; that’s why we included it in the list.
Comprehensiveness
You want to go for a comprehensive food sensitivity test that screens for as many foods as possible. This makes it easier to identify the specific types of foods causing the issues you're experiencing. The three food sensitivity tests discussed above are pretty comprehensive.Accuracy
Food sensitivity tests can never be 100% accurate. However, getting a kit from a reputable company is good to minimize the risk of false positives and other errors.
Cost
You may also want to consider the price of the test kit. Don’t go for the cheapest tests, though. Find the middle ground that offers the best value for money. Everlywell is an excellent example of such a kit.
Customer reviews
Lastly, we looked at the customer reviews. Go through trust pilot and other independent review platforms to see what previous users say about the food sensitivity test kit you want to purchase.
Something else you may want to consider is the method of sample collection. If you’re uncomfortable pricking yourself to collect a blood sample, consider other options like DNAfit, which uses a saliva swab.
In Closing
Food sensitivity tests are a great starting point for identifying foods that could be responsible for the food reactions you experience. Depending on the results, you may also want to consult a physician afterward.
For example, speak to a doctor if the food reactions persist despite the changes made after taking a sensitivity test. It’s also wise to consult a physician if the sensitivity results don't show any issues despite there being food reactions.