Food hypersensitivity or food intolerance can be described as a damaging reaction which is often limited to a particular food, food additive, beverage or compound found in foods that produces symptoms in one or more than one body organ and system, but it cannot be described as food allergy. A food allergy requires an immune mechanism against the food, and a food intolerant does not. Food intolerances can be differentiated according to their mechanisms. This condition can result from the absence of specific enzymes or chemicals required to digest a food substance, e.g. hereditary fructose intolerance. Such conditions can be a result of an abnormality in the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Food hypersensitivity reactions can also occur because of naturally occurring chemicals in foods.
Last date updated on September, 2024