Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Sensitivities

With the recent surge in IgG Food Panel Testing, I think it is time we look at the differences in some common terms. Are these tests the real thing or a real money making scheme. The terms allergy, intolerance, and sensitivity has been used interchangeably for some time, but allergies are quite different from intolerances or sensitivities. With food allergies, one's body has an immune response to the food, this can be a dangerous situation. With intolerances or sensitivities, one's body may just not be absorbing the food properly. While this may be uncomfortable, it is not dangerous. 



Food allergies occur in 6 to 8% of children under age 3, some children do outgrow their allergies as they get older. Food allergies also affect up to 3% of adults. Symptoms of a food allergy can range from mild (like tingling in the mouth) to life-threatening (like anaphylaxis).

Food intolerances are different because they simply do not involve the immune system. They are usually due to an inability to digest the specific food. One of the most commonly known food intolerances is lactose intolerance, which is an intolerance to dairy. It can cause different symptoms, particularly digestive symptoms like nausea, bloating and diarrhea. This lasts for a few hours or even for a day or two but does not usually lead to any serious complications. 

    There can be many different reasons for intolerance. The most common ones are:

        Lack of digestive enzymes

        Substances in foods that can irritate the digestive tract

        Certain diseases that can affect the ability to digest foods

IgG is the most common antibody. It's in blood and other body fluids, and protects against bacterial and viral infections. IgG can take time to form after an infection or immunization. IgG actually signifies exposure to products, not necessarily an allergy. Research continues but IgG testing has not been proven as an accurate diagnostic agent or useful tool for diet elimination or modification. 

So, if The Food Panel Testing is not a great way to identify true food intolerance...what is? A Food and Symptoms Diary is the most reliable source for determining true food intolerances. Elimination of any offending foods for 4-6 weeks and then adding them back into the diet, one at a time (while continuing to record symptoms) can further determine these intolerances. Some can be added back in easily, while other may have to be eliminated permanently.



If you think you may have an allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity it is important that you seek out assistance of your Medical Doctor or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist to better assist you with this. As far as the Food Panel Testing goes...more research needs to be done before this is considered a more effective approach!

Questions on this and so much more?

Contact Natalie Hofmeister MS, RDN, LD/N at Lifestyle Nutrition Consulting


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