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    Best Food Sensitivity Test for 2021 - Reliable or Not?

    Written by Juan Rivas Santisteban
    Updated: 10/21/2021

    Nutritional problems are a scourge that has accompanied mankind since its origins. Advances in modern science have made it possible to elucidate the causes of certain ailments that affect us and which are related to diet. However, the overexposure to processed and unhealthy foods that we have in the so-called first world has been a determining factor in the increase of certain conditions related to allergy or sensitivity. A clear example of this is gluten-related allergies. But is it possible to predict or avoid this type of ailment by means of a genetic test? Many companies have emerged claiming this fact. We are going to analyse them below.

    Our #1 Pick - Best Food Sensitivity Test

    Dynamic DNA Labs - The company with the largest and highest quality offer in the market, which has introduced the novelty of pharmacogenomics. The best food sensitivity test 2021.

    Food Sensitivity Test

    How did we evaluate the Food Sensitivity Kits?

    • Analytical skills - molecular or other techniques used to understand food sensitivities for individual clients.
    • The Number of molecules/allergens tested - the more molecules screened, the greater the chance of detecting possible sensitivities. Likewise, these sensitivities can be detected in genome or microbiome analysis.
    • Value for money - very important when discerning between options with similar performance, or between two with very different services. This includes timing and customer service.

    Short on time? Here Are The Top 5 Food Sensitivity Test

    Site
    Features
    • Fitness testing
    $$99/m
    • Health Report
    $99/m
    • Various DNA Kits
    $89/m
    • Assesses 90 genetic markers
    $39.95/m
    • Quick turn around
    $59/m

    The Best Food Sensitivity Test For 2021: A Full Analysis

    1. Dynamic DNA Labs - A nutrigenomics lab where you won't miss a thing

    Some aspects included in the kit.

    Introduction: The company has established itself as a technological standard-bearer in the sector. It is reliable, accurate, and quite versatile. Although its prices are somewhat higher than the market average, when it comes to food sensitivity for humans, it is undoubtedly the best choice.

    Offers

    Diverse offer of pharmacogenomics and traditional genomics. Large repertoire based on health, ancestry, and food or medication.

    Avg Price

    $150 

    Comments 

    Perhaps the best option of those listed for its completeness and accuracy, as well as its value for money.

    Editor's Note: If we take into account how far biological sciences have advanced in the area of understanding the genome as a whole entity, it is safe to say that most companies analyzing the genome have a simplistic approach. This is simply not the case with Dynamic DNA labs.

    Bottom Line: The best of the best. The implementation of pharmacogenomic analysis is a great success that will make them a spearhead in the sector. The best DNA food sensitivity test.

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    2. Vitagene: or how a company can tell you about your ideal diets

    An example of a kit you can buy on the site.

    Introduction: While most companies have produced a niche around genome analysis, vitagene wanted to increase the knowledge about health that is extracted from these nucleotide sequences. In addition, Vitagene offers a variety of supplements and other related features. It is a balanced company that can be understood as a quality low cost.

    Offers

    They have few offers that include the five reports characteristic of this company. Diet, skin, exercise, supplements, and ancestry. They have an antibody test. 

    Avg. Price

    $130

    Comments 

    This company will actually offer you their expertise in these five fields, although they may not talk extensively about nutrition in any of them.

    Editor's Note: I consider it to be a balanced and somewhat enjoyable package to read, which although it does not integrate the knowledge given in each of the reports, does try to take a holistic approach to issues related to food sensitivity. 

    Bottom Line: Although there is not much variety, it is a simple and smart option if you want to get a quick overview of your genetic predispositions. 

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    3. Living DNA: A good asset for understanding health-food interactions

    Nutrition-related aspects included in this test.

    Introduction: Living DNA is a company focused on two types of testing: ancestry and wellbeing. It is within these tests that we have analyses related to food sensitivities, although not explicitly dedicated to them. We will now take a closer look at these offers.

    Offers

    Ancestry + wellness, both separately and also in a joint kit. Lactose sensitivity and vitamin requirements among others.

    Avg. Price

    $110

    Comments 

    They are not nutrition-focused offers but have a very attractive general approach that links your predispositions to ethnic groups

    Editor's Note: It is a small but concrete catalog that allows consumers to better understand their health status about food and allergies

    Bottom Line: A competent offer in an increasingly competitive niche, it pales in options against others on this list but stands up well for both its value for money ratio and impeccable service.

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    Read Living DNA Full Review 

    4. Genopalate: the most nutrition-focused alternative

    Steps to follow for a Genopalate test.

    Introduction: In this case, we are dealing with one of the largest companies dedicated to genome analysis in relation to the “palate”, as the name suggests. The variety of options is not so great, but they are closely related to personalized food sensitivity. It is a company that has understood well the evolution of the new gene-based medicine.

    Offers

    You can get an analysis of your food sensitivities and substance metabolism, genetic "superfoods" collected in a personal recipe book, and a list of macro and micronutrients, among other services.

    Avg. Price 

    $130

    Comments 

    It is a company focused on the personalised study of food sensitivities.

    Editor's Note: It is a competitive option whose performance is very specific, perhaps more so than that of its competitors. It lacks a bit of variety in performance, perhaps.

    Bottom Line: The nutrigenomics option par excellence, despite its recent creation. The interface of the results could be improved a little.  A nice food sensitivity test at home.

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    5. Basepaws: they have the ideal formula for your cat.

    An example of Basepaws results.

    Introduction: Basepaws is a company that actively researches and publishes science on cat genetics. A key part of this lies in the nutritional capabilities associated with the genome and epigenome, the patterns of which they analyze. It is a distinct option to explore food sensitivities in other organisms, specifically in companion animals.

    Offers

    You can choose between a dental test, health test, and whole genome sequencing. Each service has a different price and services, although for food sensitivities we can find very relevant information in the first two.

    Avg. Price 

    $130

    Comments 

    The kits only use cat markers, it is not valid for any other type of animal.

    Editor's Note: It is an alternative that has been able to exploit an emerging phenomenally, for two reasons: because of its technical quality and its commitment to animals.

    Bottom Line: The best choice for testing food sensitivities and allergies for cats. There is no doubt about it.

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    6. Embark: the best ally of dog health

    An example of the site's outlook.

    Introduction: Of course, the most common pet and man's best friend had to have its own space in this sector. Basepaws' equivalent for dogs is Embark, a company that is equally aware of research into the genome of companion pets. In this case, Embark will also provide tools to assess a dog's personalized diet, but not in as much detail as the previous one.

    Offers

    The offer concerning food sensitivity for dogs is part of the "Health" offer, a service that will assess more than "210 genetic risks". 

    Avg. Price 

    $149

    Comments 

    The results are not direct, i.e. they are not so closely related to food sensitivity.

    Editor's Note: A very interesting alternative in specific cases where the feeding of dogs can be a setback or concern. There are metabolic diseases that have to be taken into account and that in many cases are overlooked.

    Bottom Line: An interesting offer that goes beyond the purity of your pet's blood. It is easy to understand and very practical to improve your dog's quality of life.

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    7. Sequencing.com: a general but precise approach to the genome.

    An example of a result for certain food-related characteristics.

    Introduction: This company sells itself as something different from others. The sequencing depth is indeed greater in this case. Their services include analysis of various types of genetic markers, as well as nutritional optimisations to avoid problems or indigestion. This is why we consider this company to be one of the best proposals for 2021.

    Offers

    They have two main offerings, a more extensive one covering the whole genome and a more specific one. Most aspects related to food sensitivity are covered by the basic package, however.

    Avg. Price

    $200

    Comments 

    There are significant temporary price reductions on the site from time to time.

    Editor's Note: An option that may be expensive if you consider other market alternatives, but it delivers what it promises and does its job well. In terms of food sensitivity, the basic package offers the most depth at a price that is quite affordable.

    Bottom Line: A company that delves into the art of sequencing to provide optimal customer service. Easy, fast and reliable.

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    8. EasyDNA: a low-cost alternative to understand more about your intolerances.

    A portion of the sample report available on the website.

    Introduction: This company is very versatile and offers all kinds of ancestry tests. In its repertoire, however, we find tests related to nutrition, and in particular one for intolerances to more than 800 foods and other substances such as spices.

    Offers

    Tests include nutritional analysis, metal toxicity analysis, intestinal flora analysis, and hormone analysis. Results are available in 2 to 5 days from receipt of the samples in the laboratory. 

    Avg. Price 

    €89

    Comments 

    It is one of the cheapest and most comprehensive tests on the market.

    Editor's Note: This company offers a very interesting package in the area of food sensitivity. However, it is not able to occupy the top positions because of the lack of transparency regarding the analysis techniques used. 

    Bottom Line: A safe, cheap, and very promising option. Perhaps they have too much variety on their menu. Of course, if you need a good genetic nutrition test, you should definitely take a look at it

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    Read EasyDNA Full Review 

    9. EverlyWell: An interesting and easy option for testing antibodies.

    One of the packages for antibody analysis.

    Introduction: Not all genetic tests have to test DNA. This is the case of EverlyWell, a company that tests with finger lancets. These are home kits designed to find antibody reactions in the blood to exogenous antigens. In the case of food intolerances, this is possible using an array of 96 food antigens

    Offers

    It has two tests that are related to food sensitivities: the food antibody test and the ambient allergy test.

    Avg. Price

    $159

    Comments 

    They are not DNA tests.

    Editor's Note: An interesting and more direct option than a DNA test, as antibodies are functional gene products already present in the blood and their reaction is immediate.

    Bottom Line: One of the best-positioned companies in the antibody testing niche. However, these assays are somewhat more expensive than DNA testing because of the price of the reagents. A good food sensitivity blood test.

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    10. Nebula Genomics: a constellation of genes to be discovered.

    At Nebula Genomics you will be given the raw files as well.

    Introduction: This is a company similar to Sequencing.com, whose aim is to understand in a general way the content of your genome. However, it has quite polished tools that allow you to visualize special conditions or characteristics of your genome. These include those related to food sensitivities.

    Offers

    Nebula Genomics offers different possibilities depending on the reading depth requested by the customer. There are three packages, but the first one will already summarise the nutritional capabilities of your genome well.

    Avg. Price

    $99 - $999

    Comments 

    It is a non-food sensitivity company.

    Editor's Note: This is an alternative that I would only take to better understand the genomic context of some nutritional genes, but other options on the market are more direct and clearer with the result.

    Bottom Line: The most positive points of this company are the reliability and resolution of the results. The negative points are the lack of clarity of the results in terms of food sensitivity.

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    What is a food sensitivity test?

    A food sensitivity test is a very broad concept. Food is composed of a variety of different molecules. Some of these are easily assimilated by our bodies (in which we have genes capable of producing molecules that break down starches or emulsify fats). However, it happens that many other more stable molecules are necessarily digested by our associated microbiota, allowing us to obtain energy and nutrients from them. In rarer cases, we would be ingesting other virtually unbreakable compounds, which would pass into the feces without being digested

    When intolerances occur, it is quite possible that some of the mechanisms that should work to break down these molecules do not. But because they attack at different levels, we sometimes need different tests. Some will check the metabolism of the microbiota, while others will look at our genetic repertoire. Poor digestion can be caused by ingestion of unsuitable products. 

    What are common food sensitivities?

    • Lactose is a simple sugar that has generated many intolerances since modern times. This stems from the inability to degrade it due to the absence or reduced presence of a gene.
    • Gluten is a complex peptide present in some crops, which is potentially toxic and to which all people are frequently exposed. Many of them develop intolerances or adverse reactions, and we call them coeliacs.
    • Malabsorptions are also a group of food sensitivities. A clear example is fructose. Although our own body produces and uses it naturally, its intake may promote ecological imbalances in the microbiota, or be associated with some unknown etiology.

    How To conduct a Food Sensitivity Test

    It all depends on the type of test. There are two main types: blood and DNA

    The general steps are:

    • Obtain the biological sample purely and accurately. This includes the preservation of samples in a friendly environment that is not prone to corruption of their contents. 
    • Send the test to an analytical laboratory
    • Sequencing the genome or testing the antibodies for subsequent analysis of results by software.
    • Interpretation of the biological information obtained. Depending on the company it should not take more than 4-5 weeks.

    Symptoms of food sensitivities include:

    • Itching or skin sensitivity. This is caused by positive stimulation of nerve receptors, which in turn is caused by an immune reaction mediated by certain molecules called cytokines, causing discomfort and inflammation of connective tissues.
    • Weakness, dehydration, diarrhoea, or malaise, when nutrition is not optimal or when something bad has been consumed. This is quite common when we ingest things that we cannot digest well, either because of our genetic repertoire.
    • Dizziness, loss of vision, or fainting. This occurs when there is a serious adverse reaction, such as poisoning or drug allergy. It is uncommon with common food sensitivities, although it can occur with anaphylactic shock to nuts, for example.

    What You Can Expect To Learn from the food sensitivity test Results

    • The best foods and recipes for you.
    • Predispositions to metabolic or dietary diseases.
    • Meals to avoid.

    Summary

    We have reviewed the best options on the market this year in the field of food sensitivity. Access to new biotechnological technologies has made it possible for ordinary people to know themselves at previously unimagined levels. Having complex genetic reports at our fingertips is a luxury that we should use to improve our quality of life. Perhaps the last barrier that remains to be overcome is the lack of knowledge about these techniques in the general population. The potential for benefits is endless.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    1. I understand genetic testing, but my doctor tested me for allergies when I was a child and I am not allergic to anything. How can a DNA test improve that?

    Well, they are two different and sometimes complementary things. Allergy testing is usually done at an early age and consists of exposure to different antigens, food or non-food. Food sensitivities are something deeper than normal allergies and sometimes include it as well. But they usually analyze the metabolic repertoire of the subject to find out the assimilation capacity of certain substances.

    2. Is it dangerous to be guided by genetic test results alone?

    No, not at all. However, the test must be well done and take into account the gut microbiome.

    3. Can this help me lose weight?

    You may be able to achieve this by following a balanced diet and exercise, but the genetic test only helps you to digest your food better. This may even have the opposite effect because the nutrients are better utilized.

    4. Can the diet based on genetic testing be contradictory to the one a nutritionist gave me?

    It is entirely possible, because each of them is based on different purposes. A nutritionist will help you mostly for aesthetic and general health purposes, but a genetic test will help you get the most out of your food and feel better with personalized diets. Eventually, in the future, perhaps nutritionists should consider combining genetic techniques.