Food Intolerances vs. Allergies: What to Know
A food intolerance is a gastrointestinal response to food. A food allergy is an immune response. They are not the same!
A food intolerance can be caused by a number of issues, such as enzyme deficiencies or problems with GI transit (or issues with the physical side of digestion). Learn about enzymes for food intolerances.*
Common food intolerances include:
- complex carbohydrates
- milk sugar (lactose)
- milk protein (casein)
- gluten
- phenols
- FODMAPS (fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols)
Food allergies are an immune response that leads to a release of antibodies into the bloodstream. They affect up to 2% of the population (and 1 in 13 children). Allergies can range from mild to severe, and some can be life-threatening. Some people may also have sensitivities to these foods, but they aren’t the same reaction as an allergy.
Allergic symptoms can involve the digestive system but also happen in the cardiovascular system (including the respiratory tract) and the skin. They often appear quickly and require testing by a doctor as well as avoidance of the food(s).
The list of the most common food allergens and food intolerances have some overlap, but there is a difference. In the US, the nine most common allergens will always be listed on food labels.
The most common allergens are:
- eggs
- milk
- peanuts
- tree nuts (such as walnuts, coconuts and almonds)
- fish
- shellfish
- wheat
- soy
- sesame
