Food Intolerance Test

Food intolerance is mainly diagnosed clinically using a detailed food diary and an elimination diet followed by supervised reintroduction to pinpoint triggers. Specific tests include hydrogen breath tests for lactose or fructose malabsorption and, less commonly, tests for bacterial overgrowth. Allergy tests (skin prick, specific IgE) detect immune allergies, not intolerance, and IgG antibody testing is not recommended.

Food intolerance usually causes digestive symptoms (bloating, diarrhea, cramps) and rarely causes a sore throat. Throat tightness, itching or swelling after eating suggests an allergic reaction, which can be serious. Certain foods may trigger acid reflux or irritation that leads to a sore or scratchy throat. See a clinician urgently for throat swelling, breathing difficulty, or persistent symptoms.

Most commercial “food intolerance” panels (IgG, hair, kinesiology) aren’t proven to diagnose intolerances; IgG often reflects exposure, not harmful reaction. Valid tests exist for specific conditions—lactose/fructose breath tests, coeliac blood/biopsy, and allergy (IgE) tests. The gold standard for intolerance diagnosis is a supervised elimination diet and controlled re-challenge. Consult a clinician before starting restrictive diets.

Track symptoms and foods in a diary for 2–4 weeks. Try a structured elimination diet removing suspected items, then reintroduce them one at a time while noting reactions. For specific problems, ask your doctor about lactose or fructose breath tests; IgE testing/skin-prick tests diagnose allergies. Avoid unvalidated IgG tests. Work with your GP or a registered dietitian, especially if symptoms are severe or you risk nutritional gaps.

In India, food-intolerance testing costs vary by test and panel size. Breath tests for lactose/fructose typically cost ₹700–₹2,500. IgG-based food-intolerance panels range about ₹2,000–₹15,000 depending on the number of foods tested and the lab. Skin-prick or specific-IgE allergy tests and serum panels generally cost roughly ₹1,000–₹6,000. Final prices depend on city, lab, and panel scope.

Yes. A doctor can evaluate suspected food intolerance using a detailed history, symptom diary, and supervised elimination and reintroduction. Specific tests include hydrogen breath tests for lactose and fructose malabsorption, and blood tests for coeliac disease with biopsy confirmation. Routine IgG food testing is not recommended. Management involves dietary changes and referral to a dietitian or gastroenterologist.