Food Intolerance and Allergies

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance is triggered by the digestive system instead of the body's immune system. It is a food sensitivity that occurs when a person has difficulty digesting a particular food. The food intolerance common symptoms include

abdominal pain
diarrhea
bloating
intestinal gas, farting

There are many other possible symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, feeling sick, constipation, joint pain, and rashes. Symptoms can last a few hours or days.

Common Food Intolerances

Select each type of food intolerance to explore other foods that might be difficult for children to digest.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the most common food intolerance. It is the body's inability to digest lactose a type of sugar found in dairy products, such as:

milk
yogurt
ice cream
butter

Gluten Intolerance

Gluten intolerance is the body's inability to digest the gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley products, such as:

bread
pasta

Caffeine Intolerance

Common beverages and food containing caffeine include:

coffee
tea
energy drinks
some carbonated beverages (e.g., cola)
chocolate

Salicylate Intolerance

Salicylates are found in some fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Intolerance

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) may be added to foods to enhance the flavor, such as processed meats, soy sauce, soups, and gravy. It is also found naturally in some foods, fruits, and vegetables (e.g., parmesan cheese, grapes, tomatoes, corn).

Other

Other food intolerances and sources include:

Histamine - found in foods and beverages like cheese
Sulphites - found in cider

It is important to manage food intolerances well and ensure children continue to receive the nutrition needed for healthy growth and development. Be sure to inform parents or guardians when a child shows symptoms of food intolerance. A health care provider should be consulted for management advice.