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

 

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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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