What is the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?
Many people think the terms food allergy and food intolerance mean the same thing; however, they do not. A food intolerance is an adverse food-induced reaction that does not involve the immune system. Lactose intolerance is one example of a food intolerance. A person with lactose intolerance lacks an enzyme that is needed to digest milk sugar. When the person eats milk products, symptoms such as gas, bloating, and abdominal pain may occur. A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a certain food. The most common form of an immune system reaction occurs when the body creates immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to the food. When these IgE antibodies react with the food, histamine and other chemicals (called “mediators”) are released, causing hives, asthma, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Food Allergies This occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a substance (allergen) in a food you have eaten, triggering an allergic reaction. A food allergy can be mild, serious or can even cause death. The time it takes to react to a particular food can range between minutes to hours. Generally, the more serious the allergy, the faster the body reacts. Having an allergic reaction to a food means that the immune system attacks the allergen with antibodies, which trigger the release of chemicals to eliminate the allergen from the body. These chemicals can cause swelling, irritation or other types of discomfort that are characteristic of an allergic reaction. Food Intolerance Food intolerances on the other hand, are different from food allergies because it is an adverse reaction to a food that does not involve the immune system. It is more of a general term, which describes many types of reactions to food or food additives.
Many people think the terms food allergy and food intolerance mean the same thing; however, they do not. Food intolerance, unlike a food allergy, does not involve the immune system and is not life-threatening. Lactose intolerance, trouble digesting the milk sugar lactose, is a common example. Symptoms may include abdominal cramps, bloating and diarrhea. A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a certain food. The most common form of an immune system reaction occurs when the body creates immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to the food. When these IgE antibodies react with the food, histamine and other chemicals (called “mediators”) are released, causing hives, asthma, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Many people think the terms food allergy and food intolerance mean the same thing; however, they do not. A “food intolerance” is an adverse food-induced reaction that does not involve the immune system. Lactose intolerance is one example of a food intolerance. A person with lactose intolerance lacks an enzyme that is needed to digest milk sugar. When the person eats milk products, symptoms such as gas, bloating, and abdominal pain may occur. A “food allergy” occurs when the immune system reacts to a certain food. The most common form of an immune system reaction occurs when the body creates immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to the food. When these IgE antibodies react with the food, histamine and other chemicals (called “mediators”) cause hives, asthma, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Food allergy involves a reaction of the body’s immune system; food intolerance does not. Food intolerance stems from problems with digestion or metabolism-the way the body breaks down food-usually because of an enzyme deficiency. Food intolerance rarely causes life-threatening reactions, as is possible with food allergy. A common symptom of food allergy is hives on the skin.
