Several months into my celiac diagnosis, I realized I needed to rely on something more than how I was feeling to determine whether or not something was safe to consume. I heard about the Nima Partners Gluten Sensor from an online support group and decided to look into it further.
Does the Nima Sensor really work? A Nima Sensor peer-reviewed study found that it was able to detect gluten at or above 20 ppm at a 96.9 percent accuracy. The FDA says a product can be labeled gluten-free as long as it contains no more than 20 ppm of gluten and contains no gluten-containing grain.
How does the Nima Sensor work? The Nima Sensor requires a one-time use capsule for each test. A pea-size amount of the item being tested goes into the capsule before being inserted into the rechargeable device.
Why is there controversy surrounding the Nima Sensor? In my opinion, much of the controversy stems from others making money off of the gluten-free industry by offering their paid services (i.e. gluten testing, dietary coaching). Some of it also stems from the fact that the Nima Sensor can only test a pea-sized portion of the item being tested (I deal with this by either testing meal parts separately or by running the lid of the testing capsule over the other food items on my plate). The Nima Sensor can also detect levels of gluten BELOW the 20 ppm standard; I personally appreciate this because I would prefer to have no gluten whatsoever in my diet.
Is the Nima Sensor worth the money? The Nima Sensor has been an invaluable tool on my gluten-free journey. It needs to be used correctly (different items require different testing methods) and it does not work on on alcohol, barley malt, or hydrolyzed wheat. It has alerted me to hidden gluten dozens of times in restaurant settings and brings me peace of mind while traveling. I have learned that it is unrealistic to trust restaurants with my health based on short conversations before ordering. The Nima Sensor is simply one added safety measure to the dining out experience.
Before investing in a Nima Partners Gluten Sensor, I would strongly encourage you to do your own homework. Watch for sales and online coupons (I purchased both of mine at a discounted price).
