What is the difference between food intolerance and food sensitivities?
Food sensitivity: Inappropriate activation of immune system when exposed to a food component.
Examples:
- Celiac disease
- IgE mediated food allergies (like nut allergies)
- Non-IgE mediated allergies (food protein induced enteropathies)
Food intolerance: Do not involve the immune system. Caused by abnormal functional response to a food component.
- Examples:
- Lactose or fructan intolerance
- Fructose malabsorption
Prevalence:
1% affected by Celiac disease
3.5% affected by IgE mediated allergies
35% affected by Food allergy
Both food intolerance and food sensitivities can present with similar symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Gas
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Eczema
References:
1. NIH
2. NIDDK
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