What’s the difference between an allergy and an intolerance? This is a very common question which has caused a great deal of confusion for many people, including healthcare professionals.

A FOOD ALLERGY is believed to be an adverse reaction to any food  which is eaten and triggers a response from the body’s immune system.A protein known as immunoglobulin E, or IgE, is believed to play a significant part in food allergy and the severe reactions seen are believed to be mediated by this protein.  These IgE reactions are often termed ‘True Food Allergies’ as the symptoms are usually always immediate, severe and in some cases, life-threatening (such as peanut allergy). Typical allergic reactions to food include swollen lips and tongue, difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis and asthma attacks which is why incredible care has to be taken to avoid the trigger foods.
If you react, or witness someone reacting to a food in this way, call the emergency services immediately!

A FOOD INTOLERANCE is believed to be an adverse reaction to a food or food substance where no immediate reaction is seen and where the immune system may, or may not be involved. Unlike the immediate allergic reaction, intolerant symptoms can take up to  around 72 hours to present themselves. Though some medical professionals dispute it, there is growing evidence to support the theory that immunoglobulin G, or IgG, plays a significant part in food intolerance reactions. As the reactions seen in food intolerance can take so long to become apparent, food intolerance is often referred to as  ‘hidden/delayed/masked food allergy’.  Not all food intolerances are believed to be related to the immune system and IgG as many intolerances are a result of the body not producing sufficient quantities of particular enzymes and chemicals which are needed to digest certain foods.  While the symptoms of food intolerance are not potentially life-threatening like food allergy, the slow and steady accumulation of symptoms of food intolerance can significantly affect a person’s quality of life and, though rare, if left untreated these minor symptoms can give rise to serious and potentially life-threatening complications such as severe weight loss, osteoporosis and malnutrition.

Because the reactions seen in food allergy are so definite and usually occur within seconds of eating the trigger food, research and study of the condition is made easier and this is why a great deal more information is available on food allergy than food intolerance at present.