PhD and P.B. Pencharz M.B.,Ch. D., Adverse responses to food comprise a complex and confused area of scientific and medical investigation. A large amount of information has been compiled on the subject, and substantial differences exist in definition of terms, information, and action to be taken.
Numerous examples exist where adverse reaction to food is misinterpreted or misdiagnosed.
Malabsorption or intolerance may be interpreted as allergy. Likewise, allergy may be interpreted as malabsorption or food sensitivity. Any adverse response to food is most critical in infancy. The intestinal wall is not completely developed and is more permeable to intact large molecules. As a result, response is more severe and immediate in infants than in older children or adults.