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The Difference Between Food Allergies and Food Intolerances
Often, food allergy and intolerance are used interchangeably. If you have been wondering if they are the same thing, then the direct answer is no. Food allergies are different from food intolerances. In this article, we will address both, stating specifically their differences and how best to avoid these unfortunate, but vastly different problems.
What is Food Allergy?
A food allergy is an adverse immune response triggered by the consumption of certain foods. In response to these foods, the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) because it perceives them as a threat or harmful to the body.
Some common examples of food allergens include
- Peanuts
- True nuts
- Shellfish
- Fish
- Milk
- Eggs
- Soy
- Wheat
NB: People allergic to these foods may have potentially life-threatening or serious effects that can lead to severe reactions.
What are some Symptoms of Food Allergies
A. Mild symptoms
- Hives
- Itching
- Nasal congestion
B. Severe symptoms
- Anaphylaxis: This is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that affects multiple organs. Common signs of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, tachycardia or fast pulse, loss of consciousness, and edema or swelling. This requires immediate medical attention to avoid shock or death.
Symptoms of food allergies typically appear within minutes to a few hours after consuming what you are allergic to.
How is Food Allergy Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will undertake a medical history, which involves reviewing your symptoms and reactions to certain foods.
Also, allergy testing such as skin prick tests or blood tests for IgE antibodies, and oral food challenges can be utilized to diagnose food allergy.
How to Manage Food Allergies
Avoiding food triggers or allergens is the best way to prevent food allergies. Always ensure to read food labels carefully to identify potential allergens. Additionally, people with severe allergies often carry epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen) to treat anaphylactic reactions.
What, then, is Food Intolerance?
Food intolerance is an undesirable response to certain foods. It can lead to uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea, or others like headaches and nervousness, but it is generally not life-threatening. Food intolerance is tested by an elimination diet, keeping a food diary, or certain lab tests.
Unlike food allergies, food intolerance does not involve an immune response; it rather causes digestive issues. Generally, avoiding these foods relieves digestive issues.
The Differences between Food Allergens and Food Intolerance:
Unlike food allergies, food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance, does not involve the immune system. Instead, it is often due to difficulty digesting certain substances.
Typically, food intolerances cause less severe symptoms, such as digestive issues, than food allergies.
Aspect | Food Allergy | Food Intolerance |
Immune System Involvement | Yes | No |
Cause | Immune system mistakenly identifies food proteins as harmful, producing IgE antibodies | Difficulty digesting certain substances, enzyme deficiencies, or sensitivity to food components |
Onset of Symptoms | Typically within minutes to a few hours after eating the allergen | Can occur several hours or even days after eating the problematic food |
Symptoms | Can be mild (hives, itching, nasal congestion) to severe (anaphylaxis) | Generally involves digestive issues (bloating, gas, diarrhea) and other non-life-threatening symptoms |
Severity | Can be life-threatening (anaphylaxis) | Not life-threatening |
Testing | Skin prick tests, blood tests for IgE antibodies, oral food challenges | Elimination diets, food challenge tests, breath tests for certain intolerances (e.g., lactose intolerance) |
Management | Avoidance of allergens, carrying epinephrine auto-injectors, reading food labels | Avoidance of problematic foods, managing portion sizes, enzyme supplements (e.g., lactase for lactose intolerance) |
Common Triggers | Peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, soy, wheat | Lactose, gluten, certain preservatives, artificial additives, histamine |
Long-term Outlook | Often lifelong, although some children may outgrow certain allergies | Varies; some intolerances may improve over time, while others persist |
Immune Response | IgE antibody-mediated response | No immune response |
Risk of Anaphylaxis | Yes | No |
Impact on Daily Life | Requires strict avoidance of allergens, emergency preparedness | Requires dietary adjustments, but generally less restrictive than allergies |
Examples of Conditions | Peanut allergy, shellfish allergy, egg allergy | Lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, histamine intolerance |
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