Allergy or food intolerance What is the difference?

Often no food allergy

One in five Americans believe that they are allergic to certain foods. However, this suspicion is medically confirmed only at ten percent. Presumably many sufferers do not suffer from an allergy, but from a food intolerance. This is the result of a recent study that evaluated data from more than 40,000 middle-aged adults in the United States.

An allergy is an overreaction of the body to certain foods such as peanut or fish. It is an immune-mediated defense reaction to small protein building blocks, so-called allergens. Sensitization occurs and the body forms specific antibodies. Renewed contact may cause skin reactions, such as hives, to anaphylactic shock.

Those who regularly have to deal with gastrointestinal complaints, could suffer from an intolerance to lactose (lactose intolerance) or fructose (Fructosemalabsorption). In a food intolerance, the immune system is not involved. Most of the metabolic process is disturbed. In the case of lactose intolerance, for example, the enzyme lactase is missing, so that the milk sugar can not or can not be sufficiently broken down.

In Germany, the figures are similar to those in the USA. Against this background, it makes no sense to avoid only suspected food. This reduces the quality of life and increases the risk of nutrient deficiency. "If you suspect a food allergy, you should go to the specialist," advises Harald Seitz, nutritionist at the Federal Center for Nutrition (BZfE). For a correct diagnosis, the history of the disease is first recorded. Only after skin and blood tests and dietary procedures follows a nutritional recommendation. "In case of an allergy, the food must be strictly avoided, as even traces can cause dangerous reactions. In contrast, small quantities are usually not a problem if incompatible, "explains Seitz. Gluten-free and lactose-free products only have a health benefit if there is a medical finding for celiac disease or lactose intolerance. "Free-of-products are significantly more expensive and not healthier per se," says Seitz. Heike Kreutz, bzfe