What’s The Difference Between Food Intolerance And Food Allergy Tests?

Food intolerance and food allergy are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different conditions. Understanding the difference between food intolerance test Abu Dhabi and food allergy test is essential for choosing the right test and taking appropriate steps toward improving your health. Many people turn to specialized labs or clinics for food intolerance and allergy testing to get precise diagnoses.
The mechanism behind food allergies:
Food allergies involve the immune system reacting to certain proteins in foods as if they were harmful invaders. When you consume an allergenic food, your body’s immune system produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals, leading to symptoms like swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or even anaphylaxis in severe cases. A food allergy test typically measures the IgE response to specific allergens.
The mechanism behind food intolerances:
Food intolerances, instead, do not involve the immune system. Instead, they occur when your body is unable to properly digest or process certain foods. This might be due to enzyme deficiencies (such as lactose intolerance) or sensitivities to specific food chemicals. Symptoms of food intolerance typically involve the digestive system, causing discomfort like bloating, gas, cramps, or diarrhoea. A food intolerance test often looks for non-IgE-mediated reactions, such as enzyme deficiencies or other digestive issues.
Severity of reactions:
The severity of reactions is one of the key differences between food allergies and intolerances. Food allergies can cause immediate, severe, and sometimes life-threatening reactions. In contrast, food intolerances tend to cause milder symptoms that develop gradually and are generally not life-threatening. For example, someone with a peanut allergy could experience swelling of the throat, while someone with lactose intolerance may only experience bloating or stomach cramps.
Testing methods:
The testing methods for food allergies and intolerances also differ. For allergies, tests typically measure IgE levels through skin prick tests or blood tests, which are designed to identify immediate immune reactions. For intolerances, tests may involve blood tests to measure antibody responses to specific foods or breath tests to detect the presence of certain gases produced during digestion (such as in lactose intolerance testing).
Treatment approaches:
The treatment approach also differs for allergies and intolerances. With food allergies, the best strategy is to avoid the triggering food completely and carry emergency medication, like an epinephrine injector, in case of a severe reaction. For food intolerances, management often involves limiting or adjusting the intake of the offending food, along with possible supplementation (like lactase for lactose intolerance).