Food intolerance and food allergy are the same thing.

• A. True
• B. Not sure
• C. False
• D. Both

Answer: (C)

The difference between food allergy and food intolerance is what this item is testing. A food allergy involves the immune system and often IgE antibodies reacting to a specific food protein, which can trigger rapid and potentially serious symptoms like hives, swelling, wheeze, or even anaphylaxis. Management centers on strict avoidance and having an emergency plan, sometimes including an epinephrine auto-injector for at-risk individuals. In contrast, a food intolerance is a non-immune reaction, usually due to enzyme deficiencies or metabolic issues (for example, lactose intolerance from lactase deficiency). Symptoms are typically limited to the gastrointestinal tract, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea, and while uncomfortable, they are not life-threatening and do not involve the immune system. Because they differ in mechanism and risk, the statement that they are the same is false.