Food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities are common in the United States, and millions of people suffer from one or more forms of adverse reactions to food.

Often people confuse food allergies with intolerances or sensitivities, and vice versa since these terms have similar meanings. However, allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities are different and it is essential to know the differences between them to avoid severe health problems.

What is Nutrition Allergy?

A food allergy is an immune system response to certain foods that are usually harmless to most people. The body’s immune system mistakes a particular food protein as a harmful substance and reacts accordingly.

Food allergies are more prevalent in children than adults and can cause severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.

In some cases, people with food allergies can eat small amounts of the allergen without experiencing any symptoms. In contrast, others can have an allergic reaction with just a tiny amount.

Food allergies often occur within seconds or minutes after eating a particular food. Some of the common symptoms of food allergy include:.

Hives or rash
Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting
Dizziness or lightheadedness

What is Nutrition Intolerance/Sensitivity?

Food intolerances or sensitivities, on the other hand, do not involve the immune system. An intolerance occurs when the body cannot digest a particular food substance properly, causing digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, or diarrhea.

People with intolerances or sensitivities may suffer from symptoms hours or days after consuming the offending food. Unlike food allergies, intolerances do not usually cause a life-threatening reaction.

Some of the common food intolerances include:.

Lactose intolerance: Inability to digest milk sugar
Fructose intolerance: Inability to digest fruit sugar
Gluten sensitivity: An autoimmune condition where eating gluten causes damage to the small intestine
Phytochemical sensitivity: Sensitivity to naturally occurring chemicals in fruits, vegetables, or wine

Distinguishing Food Allergy vs. Intolerance/Sensitivity

It can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between a food allergy and intolerance or sensitivity. However, there are some key differences between these adverse reactions:.

1. Time of onset

Food allergies usually cause an immediate reaction within seconds or minutes after eating a particular food. In contrast, intolerances and sensitivities can cause symptoms hours or even days after ingesting the offending food.

2. Symptoms

Food allergies can cause severe and life-threatening reactions, including anaphylaxis and difficulty breathing. In contrast, intolerances and sensitivities cause milder symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, or nausea.

3. Part of the Body Affected

A food allergy is an immune system response that can affect different parts of the body, including the skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal system.

On the other hand, intolerances and sensitivities mostly affect the gastrointestinal system, causing digestive symptoms.

4. Amount of Food Required to Cause a Reaction

People with food allergies can have a severe reaction with just a tiny amount of the allergen. In contrast, people with intolerances or sensitivities may be able to tolerate small amounts of the offending food.

5. Testing

Food allergies can be diagnosed through skin prick tests, blood tests, or oral food challenge tests, which involve ingesting a small amount of the suspected allergen under close medical supervision.

In contrast, there is no single test for food intolerances or sensitivities, and the diagnosis is usually made through a process of elimination and observation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, distinguishing between food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities is essential for proper diagnosis and management of these adverse reactions. Food allergies involve the immune system, while intolerances and sensitivities do not.

The timing, symptoms, part of the body affected, amount of food required to cause a reaction, and testing are all different in food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities.