Food Allergies

Definition

Food allergies are reactions caused by the immune system mistakenly identifying certain proteins in food as harmful. These reactions can lead to symptoms ranging from mild to severe, such as hives, swelling, digestive issues, or anaphylaxis.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Food allergies occur when the immune system identifies certain food proteins as threats and produces an allergic response. The immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are produced to fight off these proteins, resulting in the release of substances like histamines, which trigger allergic symptoms.

Benefits

Examples

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Milk
• Eggs
• Soy
• Wheat
• Fish
• Shellfish

Additional Information

• Known issues: Food allergies can cause severe and life-threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis. It is crucial to identify and avoid trigger foods.

Related Terms

• Food Intolerance
• Anaphylaxis
• Immune System
• Histamines

References

• Food allergy and intolerance: Allergens, causes, and prevention
• Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of food allergy in the United States