Allergens

definition

An allergen is a normally harmless substance that can trigger an abnormal immune response in susceptible individuals. In food allergy, this reaction is typically IgE-mediated and directed against specific food proteins.

Food allergy is defined as an adverse health effect arising from a specific immune response that occurs reproducibly upon exposure to a given food. Clinical manifestations may affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, or cardiovascular system. In severe cases, a rapid systemic reaction known as anaphylaxis may occur, which is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate medical intervention.

Food intolerance refers to non-immunological adverse reactions to food caused by metabolic, enzymatic, pharmacological, or other non-immune mechanisms. These reactions are usually dose-dependent and rarely life-threatening (e.g., lactose intolerance, reactions to sulfites).

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals. It is not a food allergy and must be distinguished from wheat allergy and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.