FOOD ALLERGIES

Objectives After this presentation, you will be able to: Define the terms food allergy and food intolerance Identify common food allergies and intolerances Read and interpret food labels in respect to food allergies and food intolerances

What is an Allergy? Defined Physiological Response Types Hypersensitivity/abnormal immune system response to specific environmental substances or conditions. Physiological Response Body mistakes substance as harmful; makes antibodies to fight it Types Substances Food Protein // Dust // Pollen // Chemicals Conditions Heat

Allergy Risk Factors Family history of asthma and allergies Genetic predisposition to allergic disease Elevated allergen-specific serum immunoglobulin level Test for IgE concentrations in blood. Being younger than 3 years old

Common Food Allergies There are many food allergies. The federal government requires label listing of only 8 Milk Eggs Fish Crustacean shellfish Tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds) Peanuts Wheat Soybeans

Common Food Allergy Symptoms Reaction Time Range from minutes to days Mild to severe symptoms Skin = itchiness, flushing, hives, swelling, eczema Gastrointestinal = nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain/cramps, diarrhea, colic Respiratory= runny nose, wheezing, throat closing/swelling, asthma Circulatory = dizziness, faintness, heart irregularities, “sense of impending doom” Anaphylaxis = constricted airways in lungs, very low blood pressure and shock, suffocation by throat swelling

Food Allergy Treatment Avoid trigger food/beverage Medications Antihistamine Bronchodilator Epinephrine

What is a Food Intolerance? Defined Digestion system response to a substance Physiological Response Body unable to properly digest or metabolize a substance Types Substances Food Chemical Food dyes Food additives

Common Food Intolerances Dairy (lactose) Beans (enzymes) Carbohydrates (enzymes) Gluten (Celiac disease) Cruciferous vegetables (enzymes)

Symptoms of Food Intolerances Gastrointestinal Nausea Vomiting Abdominal pain/cramps Diarrhea Colic Gas Cramps Bloating Heartburn Psychological Reactions Headaches Irritability Nervousness

Food Intolerance Treatment Total avoidance of offending food/beverage Medications Enzyme digestive aids

QUIZ Answer the below questions in a complete sentence or write the question and the answer. What is the main difference between a food allergy and an food intolerance? List two symptoms of a food allergy and two symptoms of a food intolerance. The FDA has identified ______ common food allergies. Antihistamine are used to treat food intolerances. True /or/ False

QUIZ KEY What is the main difference between a food allergy and an food intolerance? The main difference is a food allergy involves the immune system and a food intolerance does not involve the immune system. List two symptoms of a food allergy and two symptoms of a food intolerance. Answer will vary; consult list in presentation The FDA has identified _8_ common food allergies. Antihistamine are used to treat food intolerances. True /or/ False