What is the term for a non-immunologic reaction to a food or food additive?

• A. Food allergy
• B. Celiac disease
• C. Lactose intolerance
• D. Food intolerance

Answer: (D)

Non-immunologic reactions to foods are grouped under a single term that describes adverse effects not driven by the immune system. This is the umbrella concept here: food intolerance. It contrasts with food allergy, which involves the immune system (often IgE-mediated) reacting to a food. Conditions like celiac disease are autoimmune, not just a non-immune reaction, so they don’t fit the non-immunologic category. Lactose intolerance is a classic example of a non-immune problem, arising from lactase deficiency and leading to symptoms like bloating and diarrhea. So the best term for a non-immunologic reaction to a food or additive is food intolerance.