The Insane World of Food Sensitivity Tests

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Mar 8, 2023

Two dietitians take and dissect popular food sensitivity tests, from blood IgG assays to hair analyses. They unpack the booming testing industry, bizarre company claims like 'quantum cellular biotechnology,' and the odd supplement pitches that follow. They share their own test experiences, the confusing reports they received, and why many methods lack scientific backing.

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INSIGHT

Definitions Matter: Allergy vs. Sensitivity

'Food allergy' has a clear immune mechanism (IgE) and rapid symptoms like hives or anaphylaxis.
'Food sensitivity' and 'intolerance' lack standard definitions and get used interchangeably in marketing.

INSIGHT

A Lucrative Food-Testing Industry

The food intolerance market is huge and profitable, including tests and specialty products.
Companies like Everlywell are big players pushing food sensitivity tests as flagship products.

INSIGHT

What Blood Tests Measure

Many commercial blood tests measure IgG antibody binding to foods using in vitro exposure.
This approach originates from decades-old research suggesting IgG could indicate food reactions.

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We’ve all seen the ads. The ones telling us that with one. simple. test. we can finally know exactly which foods are good for our bodies and which ones we should avoid. But is there sound science behind food sensitivity tests? And are they actually worth their exorbitant price tags? Join us, two Registered Dietitians, as we take a deep dive into the (highly) questionable world of food sensitivity tests.

Topics covered in this episode:

We took our own food sensitivity test for the pod!
The difference between food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances.. with some mild frustration about the lack of clear definitions
Reflecting on how huge the industry of food sensitivity/intolerance testing actually is
Different types of tests on the market
What is actually being tested with blood sample tests?
Is IgG-binding a valid way to assess food sensitivities?
We have a melancholy laugh about how ridiculous the answer is to the previous question
We describe the process of selecting and completing the hair analysis test we chose
Matt mails his arm hair across the country
Jen’s nutrition status is (insert high pitched alarm sound) not optimal
Jen is mad about whiskey, Matt about gin
We consider spending all our money on a supplement called Anti-Flame! (not really)
Wait, what did they do with our hair exactly?
No seriously, what did they do?!
Robot voice: quantum cellular biotechnology with 10,000 science papers
Matt nags the company until he gets answers and is pulled towards the dark side but does not succumb
Minds are blown and reggae music is played
We get serious again and talk about the problems with unvalidated and frankly kooky testing processes
We hear a clip from a doctor who offers absolutely no help whatsoever
We encourage symbolic burial ceremonies
Look out for the Nutrition For Mortals Food Sensitivity Test coming soon (jk jk)

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For feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at: nutritionformortals@gmail.com

To contact our real, live nutrition practice visit us at: http://www.oceansidenutrition.com

**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship. **