Food Allergy vs.
Food Intolerance:
What is the difference?

Have you ever wondered what occurs when the food you consume isn’t well-suited for your body? Does it lead to gastrointestinal problems, bloating, and fatigue after eating? Perhaps you unexpectedly develop a skin rash or experience a migraine when indulging in your favorite takeout. Rest assured, you are not alone in experiencing these issues.

Recent statistics indicate that approximately 26 million Americans might be affected by a food allergy, while over 65 million individuals could be affected by food intolerance. However, these numbers may underestimate the actual prevalence as some cases go undiagnosed.

It’s important to distinguish between the symptoms of a genuine food allergy and those caused by an intolerance. Allergies can be severe and pose life-threatening risks as they involve the immune system. On the other hand, food intolerances typically manifest as milder symptoms and do not trigger an immune response. Instead, they often involve cellular reactions, digestive system issues, or deficiencies in specific enzymes, resulting in inadequate breakdown and digestion of certain foods by the body.

What is a food allergy?

In certain individuals, a food allergy can elicit severe symptoms, and in extreme cases, it can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. Even the tiniest trace of the allergenic food can trigger a series of immediate responses, resulting in an allergic reaction. The signs and symptoms of a food allergy can manifest within seconds to minutes after consumption.

Mild allergic reactions can be:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Itching
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Watery red or puffy eyes

More severe allergic reactions can be:

• Tingling in the mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
• Hives
• Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis symptoms:

• Constriction and tightening of the airways
• Shock with a severe drop in blood pressure
• Dizziness or lightheadedness and sometimes a loss of consciousness
• Fast racing heartbeat or pulse

It is very important to rule out allergies first by consulting your medical professional.

What causes the development of allergies?

Food allergies can emerge at any stage of life, but they are frequently observed in young children and tend to persist throughout their lives. The precise reasons behind the development of allergies are not yet fully comprehended by scientists.

How to test for an allergy?

Allergies are typically diagnosed through various methods such as blood samples, skin prick tests, or scratch tests. To assess the immune system’s reaction to the suspected allergen, a blood sample is taken. The allergy test analyzes the response of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgE, IgM, IgA) present in the blood when exposed to the specific allergen. Additionally, blood tests can be utilised by doctors to identify immunodeficiencies, indicating when the immune system is not functioning optimally.

What is a food intolerance?

Intolerances or sensitivities often exhibit a delayed response, primarily affecting the digestive system or eliciting cellular reactions in response to specific triggers. It can take several hours or even days for symptoms to manifest. The delayed onset of reactions associated with food intolerances can make their identification more challenging. This is because a person may have been exposed to or consumed multiple different food items during that time period, making it harder to pinpoint the exact cause.

Symptoms of an intolerance:

• Digestive issues, such as constipation, bloating, flatulence, gas, and diarrhea
• Excess mucus in the throat or nose
• Skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema
• Weight gain, or water retention
• Decrease energy and lethargy 

It is very important to rule out allergies first by consulting your medical professional.

What causes the developmentof intolerances?

Food intolerances commonly arise due to the deficiency of specific enzymes, leading to inadequate digestion and the onset of unpleasant symptoms. The complete breakdown of consumed food items and the absorption of nutrients necessitate specific enzymatic processes. For instance, in cases of lactase deficiency, lactose present in milk cannot be properly broken down. Consequently, the undigested lactose remains intact, causing fermentation of the sugar within the bowels and resulting in bloating and gas. This condition is commonly known as lactose intolerance.

How to test for an intolerance?

An intolerance can be tested through:
• Food Sensitivity or Intolerance Test (Strands of hair, mouth swab or blood from a skin prick test)
• Food Diary / Self-Elimination Diet

What’s the conclusion?

It’s crucial to understand the significant distinctions between food allergies and intolerances. Food allergies impact the immune system, while food intolerances primarily involve the cells and digestive system. While food intolerances are typically not life-threatening, food allergies can be severe, underscoring the importance of ruling out allergies.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that one may be intolerant to a particular food item without having an allergic reaction, and vice versa. This discrepancy arises from the differing responses of the immune system, digestive system, and cells in the body.

Food allergies can manifest rapidly and can be triggered by even minute quantities of the allergenic food. In contrast, food intolerances often necessitate larger amounts of the triggering food and can take hours to days for symptoms to appear.