Gluten intolerance test

[Bantha]

Hi,

I think I am gluten intolerant and over the past few days have cut it out completely and my symptoms have improved a lot. I’ve ordered a blood test online and it arrived today - my question is whether I need to reintroduce gluten before I take the test or not or whether they can test for intolerance without it being in my system.

Thanks

[bikerchic44]

Hi Bantha

I believe you need to have gluten daily for 6 weeks before you take the test.

[JimmyJackson in reply to bikerchic44]

HI Bantha I had a similar experience with acid reflux problem also cut out. Lactose the change was remarkable much better than all the medications.Xjrs is only partly right the tests aren’t good & to take one you need to overeat Gluton or any other suspected culprits before the test.

[xjrs]

The only way to test for food intolerance is via elimination and reintroduction. There is no test that tests for any form of food intolerance. Unfortunately you have wasted your money.I would ask for your money back.

Official advice here:

bda.uk.com/resource/food-al...

There are also many commercially available tests that claim to diagnose food hypersensitivity. You should avoid these because they have no scientific basis.

[Edgar77 in reply to xjrs]

There is a big difference between food intolerance and coeliac disease. Food intolerance tests are NOT accurate and the docs do not recognise them. Coeliac disease requires a very specific blood test and you must continue to eat gluten before the test. If you cut out gluten you stop making the antibodies and the test gives a false negative result.

[xjrs in reply to Edgar77]

Did you mean to reply to Bantha, Edgar77?

[Edgar77 in reply to xjrs]

Yes still not tec say. Oops

[Bantha]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I called the company before the test and explained that I had cut out wheat for the last few days, they said they tested the last 6 weeks so if it was only a few days then I could still take the test as antibodies would still show up. It may well end up being a waste of money in the end and I get a false negative but I think I’ve worked out myself what my gut likes and what it doesn’t, I just need to be more strict with myself.One thing I hadn’t realised until recently is that a side effect of gluten intolerance can be brain fog and anxiety - I get that a lot but had put that down to being perimenopausal (the joys!) since cutting out wheat I’ve noticed a difference with those too so it may have been the culprit with that too!

[Edgar77 in reply to Bantha]

This could be coeliac disease which needs to be investigated and confirmed by the Docs. If you are coeliac you will be referred to a dietician for advice. You will have annual coeliac check ups and blood tests. They must keep an eye on your bone profile as you are in higher risk of osteoporosis. You will be able to get some basic gluten free food on prescription which works out a lot cheaper. Don't just rely on a private Company who are just after your money. Taking advantage of sick desperate people.