A food intolerance is not generally life threatening.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Depends on product

Answer: (A)

A food intolerance occurs when the body has difficulty digesting or metabolizing a component of a food, such as lactose or certain carbohydrates, or when an enzyme is deficient. The resulting symptoms are usually confined to the digestive system—bloating, gas, cramps, diarrhea—and while they can be very uncomfortable, they are generally not life-threatening. This is in contrast to a food allergy, where the body’s immune system reacts and can trigger life-threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis. So the statement that a food intolerance is not generally life-threatening is true. Exceptions exist if someone becomes severely dehydrated or has a serious underlying condition, but that’s not the typical scenario for intolerance.