Skip IgG food sensitivity panels — they are not validated

What to Do

Avoid spending money on IgG food sensitivity tests marketed online or through wellness clinics. Major allergy and immunology organizations (AAAI, EAACI) explicitly recommend against them.

Why It Works

IgG antibodies to foods are a normal immune response to eating, not a marker of intolerance or sensitivity. Studies show these panels produce different results when the same sample is tested twice, and eliminating flagged foods often leads to unnecessary dietary restriction without symptom improvement.

Tips

• True food allergies are diagnosed with IgE testing and oral challenges
• For suspected intolerances, a structured elimination diet supervised by a dietitian is the gold standard
• Hydrogen breath tests exist for specific intolerances (lactose, fructose)
• If a practitioner recommends IgG panels, consider it a red flag for evidence-based care