Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerance Infographic

This information has been reviewed and approved by Kanao Otsu, MD, MPH (April 2024).

Food Allergy or Intolerance

Food Allergies can be life-threatening	Food Intolerance is not life-threatening
Most Common Foods
Milk Egg Peanuts Tree Nuts Fish Shellfish Soy Wheat	Dairy Grains Gluten Beans Cabbage
Symptoms
Mouth/Stomach Itching, tingling, burning, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Respiratory Congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, throat swelling, wheezing and/or difficulty breathing Heart Lightheadedness, fainting, low blood pressure and shock Skin Itching, flushing (redness), hives and swelling	Brain Headaches, nervousness, irritability Respiratory Throat tightness, coughing Stomach Swelling, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas cramps
Reaction
A molecule of food can cause a reaction within minutes, up to 24 hours. Food allergy reactions occur 100% of the time and are immediate.	One bite to a full plate of food can take hours up to several days. Food intolerance or sensitivity is noticed hours after eating.
Causes
The body’s reaction to food proteins Immune system involved	Lack of digestive enzymes Foods that irritate the digestive system Immune system not involved
Diagnosis
Blood test Skin prick test Food diary Elimination diet Food challenge	Food diary Elimination diet Food challenge
Treatment
Avoid all traces of food allergen Antihistamine and injectable epinephrine for accidental exposure.	Eat only as much of the offending food that you can tolerate