A food allergy is linked to a defense mechanism of the immune system following the ingestion of a food identified as dangerous by the body.

There are particularly allergenic foods, such as peanuts, eggs, fish and seafood. In contact with these products, the body will produce antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), responsible for the allergy mechanism.

The first allergic reaction is often mild and can lead to skin rash, such as hives or angioedema, allergic rhinitis, asthma, or digestive symptoms like colic or vomiting. You should know that each new contact with the allergenic agent worsens the intensity of the crisis, and can cause anaphylactic shock (= drop in blood pressure, arrhythmia and loss of consciousness which can lead to death).

Our specialist’s opinion

In a food allergy, the body reacts to a food protein, which triggers an immunological mechanism. It involves the removal of all foods containing the affected protein until healing.

Dr M.-C. Bertière, nutritionist