INFO:

Thinking of getting food allergy testing done? Think again. As a Pediatric Gastroenterologist I do not recommend food allergy testing. Here are three reasons why food allergy testing may not be helpful for diagnosing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in children: 1. Non-IgE-Mediated Reactions: Most GI symptoms in children, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation, are often related to non-IgE-mediated food sensitivities or intolerances (e.g., lactose intolerance, celiac disease) rather than true IgE-mediated food allergies. Standard allergy tests, such as skin prick tests or blood tests for specific IgE antibodies, primarily detect IgE-mediated allergies, which might miss other types of food-related GI issues. 2. High Rate of False Positives: Food allergy tests can yield a high number of false-positive results. Sensitization to a food (a positive test result) does not necessarily indicate that eating that food will cause symptoms. This can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions that might negatively impact a child’s nutrition and quality of life without addressing the true cause of their GI symptoms. 3. Symptoms Often Not Due to Allergies: Many pediatric GI issues, such as functional abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or constipation, are not caused by food allergies but rather by functional disorders, stress, or other non-allergic mechanisms. Testing for food allergies in these cases can divert attention from more appropriate diagnostic and management strategies, such as dietary modifications, behavioral interventions, or medications tailored to functional GI disorders.