What type of food substance may cause digestive system reactions, similar to allergies?

Food intolerance is a food substance that can lead to digestive system reactions that mimic those caused by allergies, but the underlying mechanisms differ. While allergies involve an immune response where the body’s immune system reacts to a specific protein in food, food intolerance typically does not involve the immune system. Instead, it often relates to the body’s inability to properly digest certain substances.

For example, lactose intolerance occurs when the body lacks enough of the enzyme lactase to digest lactose, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products. These symptoms can be similar to those caused by a food allergy, causing confusion between the two.

Understanding food intolerance is critical in food technology and nutrition, as it has implications for product formulation, labeling, and consumer education.