Food Intolerance (Paperback)

Food intolerance or non-allergic food hypersensitivity is a delayed, negative reaction to a food, beverage or food additive. It can involve symptoms in one or more body organs and systems, but is not a true allergy. Intolerance can result from the absence of specific chemicals or enzymes needed to digest a food substance, or from reactions to naturally occurring chemicals in foods. The precise distinction between food intolerance and a food allergy is often missed. A true food allergy requires the presence of IgE antibodies against the food. All other hypersensitivities or negative pharmacological reactions to foods can be considered food intolerances.