Definition Food Allergy Food intolerance Causes Types of food sensitivities How to test food sensitivities? Celiac disease non celiac disease Impact on Quality of Life Which food cause allergic reaction? Preservation and Public Awareness

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2. Submitted to: Dr. Saima Tehseen
Submitted by: Aqsa Irshad
Roll no : 26 (M)
Course Code: FST-609
Credit hours : 1(1-0)
Session : 2020-2024
Food Science and Technology

3. Food Sensitivities in People
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4. Contents
• Definition
• Food sensitivities in people
• Food intolerance & food allergy
• Causes of food sensitivities
• Types of food sensitivities
• Testing
• Impact on life stages
• Prevention and Public Awareness
• Conclusion
• References

5. Definition
• Food intolerance is food sensitivity
• Food intolerance means gut is sensitive to certain
foods and can’t tolerate them
Symptoms
• Brain fog
• Headache
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Flushed Skin

6. Food Sensitivities
in People
According to the recent Food Standards Agency
the most common foods that people reported
having an adverse reaction
Cows’ milk and cows’ milk products (22%)
Cereals containing gluten (13%)
Oysters 11%

7. Food sensitivities are becoming an increasing problem
Estimated that 70-80% of the population have food
sensitivities
Food sensitivities are different from food allergies
Food Allergy affect about only 4% of the population

8. Food Intolerance vs Food Allergy
Food Intolerance
Don’t involve the immune system
Causes symptoms many hours after eating a
reasonable amount of the problematic food
Can be caused by many different foods
Tends to cause unpleasant symptoms
Food Allergy
A reaction from the immune system
Symptoms come on rapidly after eating
just a small amount of the food
Often triggered by specific foods e.g.
Peanuts or shellfish)
Can be serious and life threatening

11. Causes of food sensitivities
Intestinal Permeability
• Also known as “leaky gut,” increased intestinal permeability can allow
undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune
response
• Chronic stress
• Certain medications
• Specific dietary choices

12. Environmental Factors
Excessive exposure to certain
chemicals, pollutants, or toxins in
the environment can potentially
contribute to the development of
food sensitivities
Enzyme Deficiencies
Enzymes required to digest
certain components of food
For example
lactose intolerance results from
the body’s inability to produce
enough lactase

13. Food Additives and Preservatives
• Some individuals may be sensitive to
• Additives
• Preservatives
• Artificial colors used in processed Food
Stress and Psychological Factors
• Impact the body’s ability to digest and process
• Potentially leading to the development of food sensitivities

14. Types of food sensitivities
Lactose intolerance
• The body has difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar
found in milk and dairy products
Symptoms
• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea

15. Fructose intolerance
• Fructose is a sugar present in fruit, some
vegetables, and honey
• Lack of an enzyme it is known as
hereditary fructose intolerance
Symptoms
• Leading to gas
• Fullness
• Bloating

16. Food poisoning
Some foods have naturally occurring chemicals
that have a toxic effect on humans
symptoms
Diarrhea
Nausea
Rashes
Vomiting
For example
Undercooked beans contain
aflatoxins that can cause
extremely unpleasant digestive
problems

17. Gluten sensitivity
Body reacts badly to eating gluten, a protein
found in wheat, rye, and barley grains
Celiac disease but doesn’t cause permanent
damage small intestine
Symptoms
Mental fatigue
Physical fatigue
Stomach bloat

18. Histamine intolerance
• A disorder associated with an impaired ability to metabolize ingested histamine
• Histamine a chemical found in some of the body’s cells
Foods high in histamine
• Aged cheese
• Fermented foods
• Alcoholic beverages
Symptoms
• Rashes
• Unexplained itching
• Hives
• Itchy eyes/runny nose/congestion

19. Food additives sensitivity
• An adverse reactions to food additives
• Sulfites, MSG (monosodium glutamate) or food coloring
Symptoms
• Skin problem
• Digestive issues
• Respiratory problems
• Diarrhea
• Colicky pains

20. Testing for food intolerance
Food intolerance is monitoring symptoms
and the food you eat
Conducted through taking a food diary and
trialing an elimination diet
This should be done under supervision of a
medical professional
An elimination diet
Cutting out the suspected food for 2 to 6
weeks and see if your symptoms improve

21. Mediator Release Test (MRT)
• Blood test to identify mediated food sensitivities in response to
various foods and food chemicals
• Blood Sample Collection
• Analysis of Leukocyte Reactivity
• Creation of Personalized Diet Plan
• Elimination Diet Implementation
• Symptom Monitoring and Follow-up

22. Breath Tests
• These tests can help identify specific food intolerances
• Lactose intolerance or fructose malabsorption
• Measuring the levels of hydrogen and methane in the
breath after consuming certain foods
Stool Tests
• Stool test examines a sample of feces in the laboratory
• Identify digestive issues related to specific food
intolerances or sensitivities

24. Impact on life stages
Infancy and Childhood
 Children may experience
behavioral change
 Irritability
 Gastrointestinal issue
 Respiratory problems
 Effect child growth and
development
 Nutritional deficiency Delayed
growth milestone
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25. Adolescence
• Exacerbate the emotional and
physical challenges associated
with this stage
• Skin issues like acne or
eczema can impact self-esteem
• Digestive problems can
lead discomfort in social
settings
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26. Adulthood
• Food sensitivities in adulthood
can lead to chronic health issues
• irritable bowel syndrome
• Migraines
• Joint pain
• Chronic fatigue
• Emotional well-being can be
affected
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27. Elderly Age
• In the elderly can exacerbate age-
related health concerns and
impact the ability to maintain a
healthy diet
• Limited dietary choices can lead
• Malnutrition
• Affecting bone health
• Muscle mass
• Cognitive function
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28. Impact on Quality of Life
Physical
Health
Mental and
Emotional
Well-being
Social Life
and
Relationships
Work and
Productivity
Financial
Impact
Coping
Strategies

29. Prevention and
Public Awareness
Prevention and awareness of food intolerances
are crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Understanding Symptoms
Dietary Modifications
Consultation with Health Professionals
Labeling and Information
Promotion of Tolerance-friendly Foods

31. Conclusion
• Identifying food sensitivities requires professional evaluation and may
involve allergy testing or elimination diets
• Once trigger foods are identified, a personalized diet plan should be created,
ensuring nutritional adequacy
• Keeping a food diary can help track symptoms and patterns
• Collaborating with a healthcare provider or dietitian is essential for effective
management

32. References
• ASCIA Health Professionals Information paper (2018)
• U. S. Department of Health and Human services (2010) Food
intolerance. An overview. Retrieved from
• www.niaid.nih.gov.
• Janice M. Joneja, Ph.D (2013) Food Allergy and food intolerances