For a version suitable for printing, click here . Food Allergy vs. Adverse Food Reaction Food allergies are often confused with adverse food reactions.
Lactose intolerance is an example of an adverse food reaction.
A person who is lactose intolerant lacks the proper enzymes to properly digest the sugar found in milk and dairy products. Severity of symptoms is generally related to the amount of food ingested. A food allergy, on the other hand, involves the immune system. While the symptoms of a minor food allergy and adverse food reactions may be similar, the biology is different. In rare instances, if someone has a food allergy, ingestion of that food can lead to anaphylaxis , a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal.