A food intolerance is not generally life threatening.

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

Answer: (A)

Understanding the difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy is what this item is testing. A food intolerance occurs when the body has trouble digesting or processing a substance—often due to enzymatic deficiency or metabolic sensitivity—without involving the immune system. Because it’s not immune-mediated, it typically does not trigger the severe, life-threatening reactions seen with food allergies, such as anaphylaxis. The main consequence is uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, cramps, or diarrhea, not a danger to life in most cases. There can be exceptions in which symptoms are severe or dehydration is a concern, but the general rule is that intolerances are not life-threatening, whereas true allergies can be.