Diagnosing food sensitivity

There is currently no credible evidence of the reliability of any laboratory testing to diagnose food chemical sensitivities.

Unlike food allergies, food chemical sensitivities (also referred to as food intolerances) do not involve the body's immune system and so cannot be diagnosed through blood tests or Skin Pricks Tests (SPT's). Blood tests like RAST, and SPT's are usefulif food allergy is suspected, but do not provide information aboutfood chemical sensitivities or intolerances.

Food chemical sensitivity reactions are non-immunological reactions which result from certain food chemicals irritating nerve endings in different parts of the body in susceptible individuals.This effect is often termed pharmacological (drug-like), as the reactions are dose related and withdrawals and cravings are often a feature.

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The most reliable method of identifying food chemical sensitivitiesis through specific dietary investigation under the guidance of a dietitian with experience in this area.

This dietary investigation usually involves two phases.

The first phase of dietary investigation is a short term elimination diet to reduce the levels of food chemicals accumulated in the body.  If there is improvement during the elimination period then this is an indication that food sensitivities are present, and it is important to continue on to the second phase of dietary investigation.

The second phase of dietary investigation involves a step-by-step process of food re-introduction, with the aim to identify the specific foods or chemicals triggering the problems.

Prolonged restrictive diets can lead to problems with nutrition, especially in children, so it is essential to seek professional help before making major changes to your child’s diet. Food sensitive individuals vary in their reactions to different foods and food chemicals, so there is no simple diet to suit everyone.

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