The Integrated Senior Foundation (ISF) has launched its Nutritional Food Sensitivity Awareness Program, available at no cost to residents of ISF-owned communities and Insight Living managed properties, such as Somerset House. In partnership with Precision Point and with support from Integrated Senior AI (ISAI), this initiative provides a proactive, data-driven approach to improving senior health and safety.
Food sensitivities are not confined to children—nearly half of U.S. adults with allergies developed at least one later in life, with prevalence among seniors estimated at ≈8.8–9% [1–3]. In addition, up to 65% of Americans over 65 take multiple prescriptions, raising the risk of food–drug interactions or cofactors like NSAIDs, which account for up to 25% of food-induced anaphylaxis cases [4–5]. At the same time, 36% of Americans live with lactose malabsorption, and about 1% remain undiagnosed with celiac disease [6–7]. These figures highlight the need for proactive testing to distinguish allergies from intolerances, personalize nutrition, and ensure resident safety.
With this program, ISF simplifies the process and makes testing free for all eligible residents.
Why Now?
Residents often ask, “Why test now if I’ve always eaten the same foods?” The truth is that sensitivities can change over time. Age, new health conditions, and medications may contribute to new reactions. What once caused only mild discomfort can now appear as fatigue, skin irritation, digestive upset, or breathing problems—often mistaken as “normal aging.” Detecting these sensitivities can make a real difference in daily comfort and long-term wellness.
Studies also show that certain medications impact food sensitivities. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin can increase gut permeability, while beta-blockers may reduce the effectiveness of emergency epinephrine during severe reactions [8–9]. When combined with polypharmacy and immune system changes in older adults, IgE testing becomes a crucial step in safer and more effective care.
Resident Benefits
IgE testing is widely regarded as the gold standard for identifying immune responses to allergens, uncovering sensitivities that may otherwise remain unnoticed [3].
Residents will receive a clear, easy-to-read report on their responses to 88 foods, categorized into:
- No Limitation
- Rotate
- Eliminate
For many, this testing provides long-awaited clarity on unexplained symptoms. Over time, ISF plans to connect these results with dining services, refining menus and reducing exposure to triggers.
Expert Perspectives
Through Precision Point Diagnostics, ISF provides a validated IgE test that is private, accurate, and easy to complete. The results allow residents and care teams to tailor diets and medications for greater comfort and safety.
“Many residents think discomfort or new symptoms are just part of aging,” said Bryan Ziebart, CEO of Insight Living and ISF partner. “This program helps uncover hidden sensitivities and empowers residents with information to feel better every day.”
Yasaman Fatapour, PhD, explained: “Reliable IgE data for seniors on multiple medications is crucial. It helps clinicians identify risks, tailor prescriptions, and design dining plans that prevent reactions, improving safety overall.”
Regional Nurse Monica Chapman, RN, BSN, added: “I’m excited to support free food sensitivity testing. With this, we can personalize meals and medication plans based on real data. Even inactive ingredients can trigger problems, so understanding sensitivities helps us avoid unnecessary side effects and keep residents healthier.”
Technology in Action
ISAI powers the analytics and integration that make the results actionable. By combining Precision Point’s testing with ISAI’s advanced systems, ISF ensures that residents of Somerset House benefit from personalized, data-driven care strategies across assisted living and memory care settings.
All residents are encouraged to take part in this free program by contacting their Executive Director.
Want More Information?
Contact us today to discover how this complimentary food sensitivity program can improve comfort and well-being.
References
1. Wang, J., & Sampson, H. A. (2019). Food allergy in older adults: epidemiology and challenges. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol, 19(3), 210–216. doi:
10.1097/ACI.0000000000000520
2. Warren, C. M., Jiang, J., & Gupta, R. S. (2021). Epidemiology and burden of adult-onset food allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract, 9(4), 1656–1665. doi:
10.1016/j.jaip.2020.11.005
3. Gupta, R. S., et al. (2019). Prevalence and severity of food allergies among US adults. JAMA Netw Open, 2(1):e185630. doi:
10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.5630
4. Kantor, E. D., et al. (2015). Trends in prescription drug use among adults in the United States from 1999–2012. JAMA, 314(17):1818–1831. doi:
10.1001/jama.2015.13766
5. Worm, M., et al. (2018). NSAIDs as cofactors in food-induced anaphylaxis. Allergy, 73(8):1561–1572. doi:
10.1111/all.13461
6. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Lactose intolerance. Reviewed March 2023.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance
7. Rubio-Tapia, A., et al. (2012). The prevalence of celiac disease in the United States. Am J Gastroenterol, 107(10):1538–1544. doi:
10.1038/ajg.2012.219
8. Maseda, D., & Ricciotti, E. (2020). NSAID–Gut Microbiota Interactions. Front Pharmacol, 11:1153. doi:
10.3389/fphar.2020.01153
9. Devlin, H. (2022). Food hypersensitivity in adults much more common than thought. The Guardian.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/dec/19/food-hypersensitivity-adults-more-common-uk