A food allergy and a food intolerance are both reactions to food, but they involve very different mechanisms in the body and vary in severity.
Food Allergy
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Immune system reaction: The body mistakenly identifies a food (often a protein) as harmful and triggers an immune response.
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Symptoms: Can be severe or life-threatening. Common symptoms include:
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Hives
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Swelling (especially lips, face, tongue)
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Difficulty breathing
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Vomiting
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Anaphylaxis (a medical emergency)
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Onset: Usually happens within minutes to a couple of hours after eating the food.
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Common allergens: Peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, soy, wheat.
Food Intolerance
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Digestive system issue: The body has trouble digesting a food, but the immune system is not involved.
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Symptoms: Typically uncomfortable but not life-threatening. Common symptoms include:
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Bloating
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Gas
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Diarrhea
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Stomach pain
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Onset: Can occur hours after eating and may depend on the amount consumed.
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Common intolerances: Lactose (milk sugar), gluten (in non-celiac individuals), certain food additives.
Summary:
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Allergy = immune system, potentially life-threatening
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Intolerance = digestive system, uncomfortable but not dangerous