If you experience symptoms such as bloating, digestive discomfort, migraines, or skin concerns, identifying potential dietary triggers can be helpful. However, symptoms can have many causes, and identifying food sensitivities requires careful assessment.
FOOD SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT - HOW WE APPROACH IT
At our clinic, we use food sensitivity testing as ONE PART of a comprehensive nutritional assessment. Our approach includes:
1. DETAILED ASSESSMENT
• Thorough dietary history
• Symptom tracking over time
• Medical history review
• Lifestyle factors
2. OPTIONAL TESTING
• Food sensitivity testing (IgG) may be recommended
• Testing measures food exposure (IgG antibodies)
• Results require professional interpretation
• Never used in isolation
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY ABOUT IGG-GUIDED ELIMINATION DIETS?
While IgG antibodies alone are not considered a standalone diagnostic tool for food intolerance, a number of peer-reviewed randomised controlled trials have investigated IgG-guided elimination diets as a clinical strategy — with encouraging results:
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
A landmark randomised controlled trial by Atkinson et al. (2004), published in Gut, assigned 150 IBS patients to either a genuine IgG-guided elimination diet or a sham diet (same foods removed, but not the ones triggering antibody response). The true elimination group showed a statistically significant reduction in symptom scores. The authors concluded that IgG-based food elimination "may be effective in reducing IBS symptoms and is worthy of further biomedical research."
Atkinson W et al. Gut. 2004;53(10):1459–1464.
Migraine & Headache Frequency
Alpay et al. (2010) conducted a double-blind, randomised, cross-over trial in migraine patients following an IgG-based elimination diet. Results showed a significant reduction in monthly headache days — from an average of 10.5 down to 7.5 (p<0.001) — alongside reductions in headache duration and severity.
Alpay K et al. Cephalalgia. 2010;30(7):829–837.
Migraine + IBS Combined
Aydinlar et al. (2013) found that an IgG-guided elimination diet in patients with both migraine and irritable bowel syndrome reduced symptoms in both conditions simultaneously, with a measurable positive impact on quality of life.
Aydinlar EI et al. Headache. 2013;53(3):514–525.
What This Means in Practice
These studies support using IgG results as a structured guide for personalised dietary elimination and reintroduction trials — not as a definitive diagnosis of food intolerance. This aligns with how our clinic uses testing: as one data point within a clinician-led, comprehensive assessment. Any dietary changes are monitored, time-limited, and nutritionally balanced.
3. PERSONALISED STRATEGY
• Targeted dietary trials (based on your symptoms)
• NOT blanket elimination diets
• Nutritional adequacy monitoring
• Planned reintroduction of foods
4. ONGOING SUPPORT
• Regular monitoring and reassessment
• Adjustment based on your response
• Prevention of unnecessary dietary restriction
• Support for sustainable changes
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS
• Food sensitivity testing is used as part of a broader clinical evaluation, not as a standalone diagnostic tool
• We do NOT recommend unnecessary elimination diets based on test results
• Any dietary modification is monitored to ensure nutritional adequacy
• Reintroduction of foods is encouraged to prevent restrictive eating patterns
• This approach follows current evidence-based guidelines from NICE, the British Dietetic Association, and the British Society of Gastroenterology
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is IgG food testing a diagnostic test?
No. IgG testing measures exposure to foods (presence of IgG antibodies), not food intolerance or allergy. Testing is used as part of a comprehensive clinical assessment alongside a detailed dietary history, symptom tracking, and clinical evaluation by a registered dietitian.
Q: How are food sensitivity tests used in your clinic?
If recommended, food sensitivity testing is always combined with thorough clinical assessment, monitoring of symptoms over time, individual dietary trial (not blanket elimination), nutritional adequacy checking, and planned reintroduction of foods. We do not recommend testing as a standalone diagnostic tool.
Q: Will I have to eliminate foods identified in my test?
No. Our approach uses test results as ONE PIECE of information. We do NOT recommend blanket elimination diets. Instead, we monitor your specific symptom response, encourage gradual reintroduction of foods, ensure your diet remains nutritionally adequate, and help you identify your personal tolerance levels. This prevents unnecessary dietary restriction and eating disorders.
Q: How is this different from other testing providers?
Key differences in our approach: always combined with clinical assessment ✓ | follows NICE guidelines ✓ | registered dietitian evaluation ✓ | monitoring for nutritional adequacy ✓ | planned reintroduction (not elimination) ✓
Q: What if I have a true food allergy?
True food allergies (IgE-mediated) require specialist evaluation by an allergist or immunologist. We do NOT diagnose or treat allergies. If you suspect a food allergy, see your GP or allergist immediately — allergies can be life-threatening. We can support nutritional management once an allergy is confirmed by a specialist.
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1. MEDICAL EVALUATION FIRST
If symptoms are severe or new, see your GP first to rule out medical conditions.
2. ALLERGY DIAGNOSIS
Food allergies MUST be diagnosed by an allergist or immunologist. We do NOT diagnose allergies.
3. TESTING
Any food sensitivity testing used is part of comprehensive assessment only, never used as standalone diagnostic tool, always interpreted by registered dietitian, and combined with dietary history and symptom tracking.
4. DIETARY MANAGEMENT
Any dietary changes we recommend are monitored for nutritional adequacy, include a reintroduction phase, are not unnecessarily restrictive, and include ongoing support and adjustment.
