What should you know about an ELISA test for food intolerance?

Food intolerance usually describes difficulty digesting or reacting to a food without the immune mechanism of an immediate allergy. Symptoms can include [Bloating](/symptoms/bloating/), abdominal discomfort, wind or [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/), and they may depend on portion size. A test result may reflect exposure or immune activity without proving that the food caused the symptom.

A food allergy can involve hives, swelling, breathing difficulty or collapse and needs a different assessment. Do not use an intolerance panel to rule out an allergy or to decide whether a food is safe after a serious reaction.

Keep a food and symptom diary including portions, timing, preparation and bowel changes. A clinician may assess medicines, coeliac disease, irritable bowel patterns and other digestive causes. Appropriate [Food Intolerance Testing](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/food-intolerance-testing/) may involve a structured elimination followed by planned reintroduction rather than a broad commercial panel. [Nutrition Counselling](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/nutrition-counselling/) can help prevent avoidable restrictions.

Arrange review for persistent symptoms, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool, ongoing vomiting, fever, anaemia symptoms or symptoms that wake you at night. Seek emergency care for breathing difficulty, throat swelling, faintness or widespread hives after eating, because these may indicate an allergic emergency.

Ask whether your pattern sounds like intolerance, allergy or another digestive condition; whether testing is necessary; and how to reintroduce foods safely. Ask how to maintain calcium, protein, fibre and other nutrients if an elimination trial is advised.