Food Intolerance Testing Prices UK
Food intolerance testing aims to uncover foods that trigger bloating, fatigue, migraines, or skin flares. Unlike IgE-mediated allergies, intolerances involve digestive or metabolic responses and often require elimination diets guided by dietitians. UK clinics offer blood-based IgG panels, breath tests for lactose or fructose intolerance, and dietitian-led elimination programmes with reintroduction plans.
Providers like YorkTest, Londondietitian Clinic, and Blue Horizon Medicals combine laboratory tests with expert coaching. Because IgG results alone can be misleading, reputable clinics pair them with symptom diaries and professional interpretation to avoid unnecessary food restriction.
Food Intolerance Testing Pathways
🧠 Dietitian assessment
Dietitians review food diaries, medical history, and lifestyle factors. They screen for red flags that need medical evaluation (coeliac disease, IBD).
🧪 Breath tests
Hydrogen breath tests diagnose lactose, fructose, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) intolerances.
🧬 IgG blood panels
Measure immune response to foods; results highlight candidates for elimination but require dietitian guidance to interpret safely.
🍽️ Elimination and reintroduction
Structured plans remove suspect foods for 4–6 weeks, then reintroduce systematically to confirm triggers while maintaining balanced nutrition.
How Much is Food Intolerance Testing in the UK?
Dietitian-led elimination plan (3 sessions): £260 to £380.
IgG finger-prick panel (60 foods): £120 to £190.
Comprehensive gut health panels: £320 to £480 (breath tests + stool and blood markers).
For true allergy diagnostics, see our allergy testing clinic guide.
Factors Affecting Cost
👩⚕️ Professional involvement
Dietitian consultations and ongoing coaching add to costs but prevent nutritional deficiencies.
🧪 Test breadth
Panels covering 200+ foods cost more; targeted testing guided by symptoms is usually more effective.
🏠 Sampling method
Home blood kits are cheaper; venous samples at clinics cost more but suit comprehensive panels.
📅 Follow-up support
Post-test coaching and recipe packs help maintain variety while managing intolerances.
How to Use Intolerance Testing Wisely
💡 Start with symptom diaries
Track meals, symptoms, and stress to focus testing on likely culprits and reduce false positives.
🤝 Work with dietitians
Professional guidance ensures balanced nutrition and safe reintroduction; self-directed elimination can cause deficiencies.
📅 Reassess regularly
Food tolerances can change. Re-evaluate triggers as gut health improves or after lifestyle changes.
FAQs
Are IgG tests reliable?
IgG shows exposure, not necessarily intolerance. Combine results with elimination diets guided by professionals.
How long do elimination diets last?
Typically 4–6 weeks, followed by structured reintroduction to confirm triggers.
Can intolerances disappear?
Yes—gut healing, enzyme support, or lifestyle changes can improve tolerance. Re-test after six months to reassess.
Will insurance cover testing?
Rarely. Some corporate wellbeing plans reimburse dietitian sessions rather than lab tests.
Can intolerance mimic allergy?
Yes. Rapid reactions or breathing issues may signal true allergy—seek immunology testing immediately.
Conclusion
Food intolerance testing is most powerful when used with professional guidance. Document symptoms, test strategically, and follow evidence-based elimination plans to feel better without sacrificing balanced nutrition. 😁
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Alan Frost |
| Grew up in and live in Birmingham. Writer, publisher, editor, EFL teacher, composer. |
