Food allergy and intolerance: what are the facts?
BMJ 2001; 323 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0110367 (Published 01 October 2001) Cite this as: BMJ 2001;323:0110367
- Judy Buttriss, science director1
- 1British Nutrition Foundation
In the second article in our series on nutrition, Judy Buttriss explains the science behind the most common food allergies and intolerances
A casual glance through the tabloid press and weekend supplements could easily leave you thinking that we have a major food allergy epidemic in Britain. But is this really true? The reality is that most people can eat a wide range of foods without any problems, although they may have likes or dislikes that influence what they choose. However, some people--a small minority--react badly to certain everyday foods and eating them may cause uncomfortable symptoms or, in rare cases, a severe illness. Next month's article will focus on food intolerance myths, so in this one I will concentrate on the different types of food intolerances.
What is the definition of food intolerance?
Food intolerance is the general term used to describe a range of reproducible adverse responses to a specific food or food ingredient which can occur whether or not the person realises they have eaten the food.12 This general term includes allergic reactions that by definition involve the immune system (such as peanut allergy or coeliac disease); adverse reactions resulting from enzyme deficiencies (such as lactose intolerance or hereditary fructose intolerance); pharmacological reactions (such as caffeine sensitivity); and other non-defined responses. Food intolerance does not include food poisoning from bacteria and viruses, moulds, chemicals, toxins, and irritants in foods, nor does it include food aversion (dislike and subsequent avoidance of various foods). (See figure.) True food intolerance is estimated to affect 5-8% of children, most of whom outgrow the condition, and less than 1-2% of adults. However, the paradox is that as many as 20% of adults believe that they are food intolerant.3
What is the definition of food allergy?
An allergic reaction to a food is an inappropriate reaction by the body's immune system to the ingestion …
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