Food Allergen versus Food Intolerance

The difference between a food allergy and sensitivity is the body’s response. When you have a food allergy, your immune system causes the reaction. If you have food sensitivity or intolerance, the digestive system triggers the reaction. Food intolerances and sensitivities are caused by an inability to process or digest certain food. They are more common than food allergies. The most commonly known food intolerance is lactose intolerance. This condition is caused by a lack of lactase, a protein needed to digest the milk sugar lactose. Food allergies can be fatal, unlike a food intolerance or sensitivity. In extreme cases, ingesting or touching a small amount of the allergen can cause a severe reaction. Eight foods account for 90 percent of allergic food reactions. Big eights are milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soya.