Consumer Studies - Food allergies and intolerances

What are food allergies?

When the immune system shows a reaction to a certain type of food in a way that is harmful; is a serious health condition and much different from a food interolerance.

What are allergens?

The bodies defence mechanism → body produces antibodies in response to the allergen

• If the food which causes a reaction is consumed again, the antibodies will react to it and the person will experience an allergic reaction → showing physical symptoms

What are the two types of allergic reactions?

• IgE-mediated

  • The body perceives the protein as harmful

  • Release of Immunoglobulin-E (IgE) = an immediate reaction

  • Will show symptoms within 2 hours

• Non-IgE-mediated

  • Body’s response to the allergen does not produce Immunoglobulin-E (IgE) = a delayed reaction

  • Will only show symptoms after a few hours or days

What are the causes of allergic reactions to common allergens?

• Eggs: protein found in the egg white (custard, cake, ice cream, pasta dishes)

• Cow’s milk: protein content (all dairy products)

• Peanuts, soya and wheat

• Shellfish (especially shrimp)

• Tree nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts)

• Colouring agents (tartrazine)

• Flavouring (monosodium glutamate - MSG)

• Preservatives (benzoates and sulphates)

What are the most common allergic reactions?

• Skin reactions

  • Itchy

  • Red rash

  • Bumps on the skin

  • Eczema

  • Face may swell

• Respiratory reactions

  • Chest tightens and makes whistling sounds

  • Airways swell

  • Asthmatic symptoms

  • Coughing

  • Sneezing

• Intestinal reactions

  • Stomach cramps

  • Diarrhea

  • Nausea/vomiting

  • Colic

  • Abdominal swelling

How to prevent and manage food allergies?

• Breast feeding

• Avoiding the food that causes those reactions

• Read all labels on food products

• Use substitutes

• Wear a medical bracelet or necklace

What is a food intolerance?

A non-allergic hypersensitivity due to a certain type of food, drink or food additive. Usually, people show an intolerance to lactose or gluten.

What are the causes of food intolerances in general?

• The enzyme that is meant to break down the food is absent

• Sensitivity to food additives

• Celiac disease

How can you prevent and manage food intolerances?

• Avoid intake of the specific food that causes the unpleasant symptoms

What is lactose intolerance?

The body is unable to digest milk sugar (lactose) and the lactase enzyme is not present in the body.

What are the causes of lactose intolerance?

The small intestine does not contain enough enzymes (lactase) to break down lactose

What is lactase?

An enzyme that binds to the lactose in the small intestine and breaks it down to simple sugars to it can be absorbed into the bloodstream

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

• Abdominal pain

• Cramps

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Bloating

How to prevent and manage lactose intolerance?

• Avoid dairy products

• Use substitutes (soya milk, low fat or skimmed milk)

• If you decide to exclude all dairy products from your diet, be sure to consume:

  • Calcium (found in broccoli, fish, green vegetables and oranges)

  • Vitamin D and phosphorus (found in eggs, liver and Greek yoghurt)

• Slow down the digestion process by consuming milk along with other foods/meals

• Read food labels as hidden lactose may be found

What is gluten intolerance?

When the body reacts badly if gluten in consumed or could be due to Celiac disease

What is Celiac disease?

A genetic autoimmune disease due to the inflammation caused by gluten and causes damage to the inner wall of the small intestine → malabsorption of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients

How can you prevent or manage gluten intolerance?

• Avoid foods that include wheat, barely, rye and contaminated oats

• Watch out for soy sauce, pasta, soup powder, processed and crumbed meat

• Replace wheat with rice, corn, maize meal and potatoes

• Read food labels carefully