Written By: Tiluka Bhanderi, BSc RD
Reviewed By: Sophie Claessens, RD
You might be wondering ‘Do I Need an IBS Food Intolerance Test?’ Many people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) wonder if food intolerances could be a cause of their symptoms and consider whether they should undergo testing. This article explores different types of IBS food intolerance tests, their reliability, and the important role dietitians play in helping you to understand and manage your symptoms.
Table of Contents
What is a food intolerance?
A food intolerance is different from a food allergy. While food allergies involve the immune system and can cause severe reactions, food intolerances generally affect digestion and are less dangerous, but can still cause discomfort. Common symptoms of food intolerance include bloating, excessive gas, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. Unlike allergies, which are triggered by even small amounts of a food, intolerances often depend on the quantity of food consumed 1.
What types of IBS food intolerance tests are there?
It seems there are always new tests popping up nowadays to diagnose food intolerances. However, it’s important to understand that not all of them are reliable or recommended by healthcare professionals and may lead to you cutting out foods unnecessarily, which can be harmful and lead to deficiencies.
Medically approved tests
Medically approved tests for food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance tests and hydrogen breath tests for carbohydrate malabsorption (like lactose and fructose), are generally reliable.These tests are conducted under medical supervision and can diagnose specific intolerances. A hydrogen breath test measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath after consuming aspecific sugar, which can indicate whether your body can properly digest it 2. These tests are recommended by healthcare professionals and are available on the NHS because they are based on sound scientific principles. However, it’s essential to note that these tests only diagnose specific intolerances, and not every IBS case will be linked to an intolerance that can be identified through testing.
Alternative tests
There is a growing market for alternative food intolerance tests, but not all are backed by science. Many of these tests claim to identify a wide range of intolerances, but their accuracy and reliability are not grounded in science.
Hair sample allergy test
Hair sample tests claim to diagnose food intolerances or allergies by analysing the energy fields in a person’s hair. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) and other professional bodies do not endorse hair sample allergy tests because they lack accuracy and reliability 3.
Bio-resonance allergy test
Bio-resonance testing, also known as Bicom therapy or electrodermal testing, is an alternative method where a machine is used to measure energy frequencies in the body to diagnose food intolerances. This method has no scientific evidence, and healthcare professionals do not recommend it 3.
IgG intolerance test
IgG intolerance tests measure the levels of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies present in your blood in response to specific foods. These tests are popular but controversial. These tests suggest that a rise in IgG levels to a particular food signals an intolerance, however, IgG antibodies are present in all healthy adults and children, even those presenting without any symptoms. Many healthcare professionals including the BDA, do not recommend IgG tests for diagnosing food intolerances 3.
Kinesiology
This alternative treatment is based upon a theory that certain foods cause energy imbalances in the body. A kinesiologist detects the imbalance by placing suspected foods next to your muscles and testing the response 3. There is no scientific basis for this test.
Do I need an IBS food intolerance test?
Whether you need an IBS intolerance test depends on your symptoms and your medical history. Medically approved tests can be useful if you suspect a specific intolerance, however, for most people with IBS, food intolerances are just one potential trigger among many, and focusing solely on intolerances will not address the root cause of your symptoms.
How can a dietitian help me with my IBS?
Before pursuing any intolerance test, it’s crucial to consult with a dietitian. They can help you implement dietary and lifestyle changes to help you manage your symptoms and assess whether a test is necessary before guiding you toward the most appropriate and evidence-based options. You can also check out some of our other articles on IBS; 5 Best Foods to Eat for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and IBS and Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy: The #1 Ultimate Guide. If you are considering the Low FODMAP diet we’ve got you covered, check out our articles 7 Low FODMAP Plant-Based Protein Sources – Dietitian Approved, Is Chickpea Flour Low FODMAP? The Ultimate Dietitian’s Guide to the Best 8 Low FODMAP Flour Alternatives and, Low FODMAP milk alternatives.
If you’re confused about testing, book a 15-minute discovery call with us today to find out how we can support you.
References
- BDA. Food Allergy and Food and Intolerances. [Online]. Available:https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/food-allergy-food-intolerance.html [Accessed:22nd August 2024].
- Hammer, Fox, Keller et al. (2022). European guideline on indications, performance,and clinical impact of hydrogen and methane breath tests in adult and pediatricpatients: European Association for Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and Nutrition,European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, and European Society forPaediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition consensus. United EuropeanGastroenterol J. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1002/ueg2.12133 [Accessed: 22nd August 2024].
- BDA Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Testing. [Online]. Available:https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/food-allergy-intolerance-testing.html. [Accessed: 22nd August 2024]
