Is there a difference between food intolerance and food allergy?
Food allergies are commonly confused with food intolerances or sensitivities because they share similar symptoms. Both food allergies and sensitivities are individualized adverse reactions to foods. A true food allergy is an abnormal response of the bodys immune system to specific food components, typically naturally occurring proteins. Food allergy reactions can occur within minutes or up to a 24-hour period. Symptoms vary from mild to life-threatening and involve the gastrointestinal, cutaneous (skin) and respiratory systems. However, it is reported that soy allergy is generally not responsible for severe, life-threatening reactions. Statistics show that about 1.5 % of adults and 5-8 % of children under three years old in the United States have a true food allergy. Children with soy, milk and egg allergies frequently outgrow them by the age of 3, especially when the foods are strictly avoided for a period of time. Food intolerances or sensitivities are abnormal reactions to food, but
