The main difference between food intolerance and a food allergy lies in the body's immune response. Food intolerance refers to difficulty digesting or processing certain types of food. It typically arises from an inability to break down or absorb specific food components. Symptoms may include digestive issues like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and other non-specific symptoms like headaches or fatigue. Food intolerance does not involve an immune system response. On the other hand, a food allergy is an immune system reaction to certain proteins in food. When someone with a food allergy consumes the triggering food, their immune system perceives it as a threat and releases chemicals, such as histamine, which can cause a range of symptoms. These symptoms can be mild, such as hives or itching, or severe and life-threatening, like anaphylaxis. Food allergies often have immediate and noticeable symptoms, such as swelling, rash, difficulty breathing, or gastrointestinal distress shortly after consuming the allergenic food. In some cases, even a tiny amount of the allergen can trigger a severe reaction. Food allergies are typically diagnosed through specific tests, such as skin prick tests or blood tests, and strict avoidance of the allergenic food is the primary treatment. In contrast, managing food intolerance usually involves dietary modifications to minimise or avoid foods that trigger symptoms.