Baby and Child Health

Key message

There is no standalone test that can be used in isolation to accurately diagnose food allergy or food intolerance. Any provider who is selling you such a service is being unscrupulous

The Problem

Parents who are concerned that their child may have a food allergy may face long waits to see a healthcare professional. It is not surprising that some pay for private help. The problem is that unscrupulous operators are charging significant amounts of money on dubious tests and making recommendations to exclude foods that is causing harm to children and parents.

Sadly I hear from my colleagues that this is a common problem across the country – costs vary but in many cases hundreds of pounds are charged.

What’s the harm?

Unnecessary diet restrictions can lead to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies and can also increase the risk of developing allergies – especially in babies

What are warning signs of an untrustworthy service?

• Beware if a consultation conducted by someone who is not on a regulated professional register such as the General Medical Council (for doctors) or Health and Care Professional Council (for dieticians). A full list of regulated healthcare professionals is available here
• The key part of diagnosing food allergy or intolerance is that a healthcare professional asks careful and detailed questions (known as “taking a history”). It is only with this information that valid allergy tests can have any use. If a service offers to sell testing alone – or charges extra for a consultation – this is a red flag

What tests are scams?

The list is probably unlimited but here are the most common to avoid from experience and noted in NHS guidance – avoid any service that offers these tests:

• IgG blood testing for food intolerance or allergies – there is no evidence for its usefulness and positive results are likely a normal response to exposure to foods
• E-number testing
• vega testing
• kinesiology testing
• hair analysis

Sources of reliable information

An investigative report on ‘food sensitivity tests’ worth watching