Food intolerance

How it is used

Common in clinics and in client language. People say 'I have a lactose intolerance' or 'I'm intolerant to wheat'. Dietitians separate true intolerances from food allergies and from conditions such as celiac disease, and may use a supervised elimination diet to identify trigger foods.

Example sentences

1. Lactose intolerance is a common food intolerance, and many people can still manage small amounts of yogurt.

2. Commercial food intolerance tests sold online are not supported by good evidence.

Common collocations

• lactose intolerance
• food intolerance symptoms
• intolerant to
• elimination diet

Related terms

• food allergyA harmful reaction of the immune system to a specific food protein, such as those in peanuts, milk or eggs. Symptoms can range from a rash to a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
• celiac diseaseAn autoimmune condition in which eating gluten damages the lining of the small intestine and reduces the absorption of nutrients. It is managed with a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
• allergenA substance, usually a protein, that can cause an allergic reaction. In food labeling, it refers to specific foods such as peanuts, milk, eggs, fish, wheat or sesame.
• digestionThe process in which the mouth, stomach and intestines break food down into small molecules that can be absorbed into the blood and used by the body.

More terms: Clinical Nutrition

• malnutrition
• gluten-free
• clinical nutrition
• type 2 diabetes
• medical nutrition therapy
• enteral nutrition
• parenteral nutrition
• eating disorder