Non-allergic food hypersensitivities, such as intolerances, result from the inability to digest certain components of foods i.e. lactose or fructose. Non-allergic food hypersensitivities do not involve the immune system.1
Food allergies arise through an immunological reaction to certain allergens in food. These allergens are almost always proteins.2 Other components in food, such as lactose and other carbohydrates, do not commonly act as allergens.
Certain allergens cause more reactions than others. In no particular order, here are the eight most common allergens accounting for approximately 90 percent of all allergic reactions to food in children.3
Food allergy is an increasing health concern in infants and young children.4