How do food allergies differ from food intolerances?

Food allergies and food intolerances represent two distinct physiological responses to food substances, and the key difference lies in the immune system's involvement. When someone has a food allergy, their immune system mistakenly recognizes a harmless food protein as a threat and launches an immune response against it. This response can lead to symptoms such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or even anaphylaxis, which is a severe, life-threatening reaction. In contrast, food intolerances do not involve the immune system and tend to result from digestive issues, such as the inability to properly break down certain food components (like lactose in lactose intolerance).

The correct answer highlights this critical aspect—the immune response associated with food allergies differentiates them from food intolerances, which are more related to digestive difficulties rather than an antigen-antibody reaction. Understanding this distinction is essential for diagnosing and managing these two conditions effectively.