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On the other hand, an allergic reaction is often caused by IgE ( 2).
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However, some types of food allergies may be caused by other types of immune reactions as well ( 7, 8).įood allergies often cause symptoms such as digestive issues, hives, and swelling, which can occur within minutes of consuming an allergen ( 9). Many food allergies are mediated by increased production of an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE).
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Food allergyĪ food allergy is a type of immune response triggered by the proteins found in a specific food ( 7). Though more studies are needed on food sensitivities, research suggests that some people may be sensitive to other foods, including nightshade vegetables and lectins - a type of proteins found in many plant foods, such as legumes ( 4, 5, 6).
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Unlike food allergies, food sensitivities are not life threatening, but they can cause unpleasant symptoms.įor example, non-celiac gluten sensitivity - a food sensitivity triggered by a type of protein found in wheat, barley, and rye - has been linked to symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, brain fog, depression, and skin inflammation ( 3). Similar to food allergies, food sensitivities are believed to be caused by an immune reaction driven by antibodies such as immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin A (IgA), along with other cell-mediated reactions in the body ( 1, 2). Food sensitivityĪ food sensitivity occurs when your immune system reacts to a specific food, causing a variety of adverse symptoms. Though many people use the terms “food sensitivity,” “food allergy,” and “food intolerance” interchangeably, there are several important differences among them.
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