Hidden Food Allergies: Marketing Term or Medical Reality?

Introduction

Welcome to the Immune Edit. I’m Dr. Doug Jones, and today we’re going to talk about hidden food allergies. Are they real or not?

The short answer: the term hidden food allergy is a marketing term. The edit I want you to make is this—anytime you hear, “Do you think you have hidden food allergies? Should you get testing done?”—remind yourself: you’re being marketed to.

This is not science-based. What they’re trying to do is sell you a bunch of tests that aren’t valid.

Why Hidden Food Allergies Aren’t Real

Even though these tests claim to give insight into which foods may be causing digestive symptoms, brain fog, fatigue, or joint pain, there is no scientific evidence showing they’re effective or accurate.

All major allergy societies—globally—agree: these food sensitivity or intolerance tests should not be used for diagnosing food allergies.

Food allergies are not “hidden.” To an expert, they’re usually quite obvious. If someone is selling you on the idea of hidden food allergies, it’s worth questioning their expertise and credentials.

The IgG Testing Trap

Most of these so-called food sensitivity tests are IgG tests (not to be confused with IgE, which is relevant to true food allergy).

What the Marketing Says

Here’s how the marketing usually reads:

“IgG tests measure current levels of IgG antibodies for a variety of foods… intended use: to identify foods in your current diet that might be connected to food sensitivity symptoms.”

Sounds convincing, right? But notice the language: “might be connected.” That’s because there’s no evidence showing IgG is linked to food sensitivity symptoms.

What It Really Means

IgG tests simply reflect what you’re eating—your exposures. That’s it. Just because your body produces IgG antibodies does not mean something is harmful. In fact, it’s normal.

Most tests will come back “positive” for common foods like dairy, gluten, and corn—because those are frequently in your diet.

If you cut those out, you might feel better, but that’s due to reducing general inflammation or personal sensitivity, not because of the IgG antibody. And you don’t need an expensive test to try that.

More Marketing Tactics

Other websites selling these tests make similar claims. They say:

• Food sensitivities are a non-life-threatening condition with delayed symptoms like bloating, headache, or indigestion. (True—but unrelated to IgG.)
• The test measures antibodies, then implies a connection to sensitivity, and finally defines food sensitivity—without providing evidence that the test actually works.

They’ll also claim the test is:

• “Backed by science.” (But never cite the actual science.)
• “Reviewed by doctors.” (But which doctors? Board-certified in what? Often undisclosed.)
• “From a CLIA-certified lab.” (That only means the lab meets basic standards, not that the test itself has clinical value.)

This is all marketing. Certification of a lab is not the same thing as proof of a test’s clinical relevance.

The “Better” Lab Argument

Some influencers will admit these tests aren’t accurate, but then pivot:

They’ll say, “Yes, most tests are flawed, but use this specific lab—it’s better because it tests raw versus cooked foods.”

While it’s true that cooking can change how foods interact with the body, these tests still don’t provide clinically meaningful results. It’s just another marketing angle.

The Real Problem

Patients spend hundreds of dollars on these tests, eliminate half their diet, and come in frustrated:

• Some feel better briefly, then symptoms return.
• Others are left with a long list of “positive” foods and ask, “If I’m allergic to all of this, what can I even eat?”

At that point, I have to explain the difference between valid allergy testing and what these IgG panels show—and I feel bad they’ve wasted so much money.

The Immune Edit

Here’s the takeaway:

• “Hidden food allergies,” “broad food sensitivity panels,” and similar phrases are marketing hooks, not science.
• IgG tests do not diagnose food allergy, food intolerance, or food sensitivity.
• Every major allergy society does not recommend IgG testing.
• Don’t let marketing headlines replace real science.

See beyond the catchphrases. Ask questions. Look for legitimate evidence, not made-up references.

That’s the immune edit for today. I hope this helps you understand why you may not be getting answers from these types of tests—and how to avoid being misled.

Take care.

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