Have you ever considered the difference between food allergies and food sensitivity? What do you think is the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity? Find out more by reading this article called “The difference of food allergy and sensitivity.”

The body's response distinguishes between a food allergy and sensitivity. Your immune system triggers a reaction when you have a food allergy while the digestive system causes a reaction if you have a food sensitivity or intolerance. According to the British Allergy Foundation, food sensitivities and intolerances are more widespread than food allergies. Neither is immune system-related.

Food intolerance, is the most common cause of physical reactions to specific foods, and people sometimes confuse food intolerance and food allergies because they have some of the same signs and symptoms. True food allergies have an impact on the immune system, even a small amount of the offending food can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which are severe and even life-threatening. A food sensitivity, on the other hand, usually affects mainly the digestive tract and causes milder symptoms.  Food sensitivities, according to Sherry Farzan, MD, an allergist and immunologist at North Shore-LIJ Health System in Great Neck, N.Y., are not life-threatening. She emphasizes that some dietary intolerances aren't caused by the immune system. They're caused by a food's incapacity to process or digest it. Gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramps, and nausea are all signs of food sensitivity.

On the other hand, allergies in general are on the rise worldwide, and food allergies, notably peanut allergy in preschool children, have become more widespread and approximately 60% of allergies develop during the first year of life. One of the most prevalent allergies in children is to cow's milk. The majority of children outgrow it before starting school. Children with one family member who has an allergic condition (such as asthma or eczema) are 20% to 40% more likely to develop allergies. The majority of children with food allergies do not have parents with food allergies. However, if one child in a family has a food allergy, their siblings are at a slightly higher chance of developing one as well, however the risk is still minimal. Allergies are caused by the immune system’s response to a protein. Foods, pollens, house dust, animal fur, and molds all contain proteins and they are called Allergens. The term allergy describes how the immune system reacts to a non-toxic chemical as if it were hazardous. Hives, swelling, itching, anaphylaxis, and dizziness are all signs of a food allergy.

In conclusion, a food allergy develops when the immune system reacts to a normally harmless meal and when the body has a chemical reaction to a particular food or drink, it is called food intolerance. Although the symptoms of mild to moderate food allergy or intolerance can be confusing, food intolerance does not involve the immune system and does not result in severe allergic reactions. It its best to learn how to read food labels to avoid items that trigger allergic reactions.

PDO I Ayesa Gay A. Bejerano, RND

References:

Food Allergy vs. Sensitivity: What’s the Difference?

https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/food-allergy-sensitivity-difference#food-sensitivities

Food allergy vs. food intolerance: What’s the difference?

https://mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/expert-answers/food-allergy/faq-20058538

Food allergy and intolerance

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/food-allergy-and-intolerance