Food intolerances affect millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact daily life. However, not every reaction to food is the same – distinguishing between true food allergies and enzyme deficiencies is crucial for proper treatment. Modern Dietary supplements and nutraceuticals can help compensate for certain intolerances, while supplements can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected. Nutrador® offers a selection of high-quality products that can support various food intolerances.
What are food intolerances?
The term food intolerances encompasses various bodily reactions to certain foods. These can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions. Medical science clearly distinguishes between different mechanisms that lead to these reactions.
The human digestive system is a complex system that relies on all components working smoothly together. Enzymes (special proteins that accelerate chemical reactions) play a central role in breaking down food components. If these enzymes are missing or do not function properly, intolerances arise.
The scientific distinction: allergies, intolerances, and enzyme deficiencies
What are food allergies?
True food allergies are immunological reactions in which the immune system mistakenly classifies harmless proteins in foods as a threat. The body produces specific antibodies (mainly immunoglobulin E, or IgE) that can trigger a rapid and often severe reaction upon re-exposure to the allergen.
Symptoms range from skin rash and swelling to life-threatening anaphylactic shocks. Common triggers include peanuts, seafood, eggs, milk, and soy. These reactions usually occur within minutes to two hours after consumption.
What Are Food Intolerances?
Intolerances, on the other hand, are non-immunological reactions that can arise through various mechanisms. They are usually milder than allergic reactions but can still significantly affect daily life. Symptoms often develop with a delay and can appear several hours after consumption.
What Are Enzyme Deficiencies?
Enzyme deficiencies represent a special form of food intolerance. Here, the body lacks certain digestive enzymes or they are present in insufficient amounts. As a result, certain food components cannot be properly broken down and digested, leading to characteristic symptoms.
The Most Common Enzyme Deficiencies
Lactose Intolerance - Lactase Deficiency
The Lactose intolerance is the most common enzyme deficiency worldwide. In this condition, the enzyme lactase cannot sufficiently break down milk sugar (lactose). Undigested lactose reaches the colon, where it is fermented by bacteria. This leads to bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.
It is interesting that the ability to digest lactose is relatively young from an evolutionary perspective. Most mammals lose this ability after weaning. Only certain human populations have developed lactase persistence (continued lactase production) during evolution.
Saccharase-Isomaltase Deficiency
This rare but significant enzyme deficiency affects the digestion of sucrose (table sugar) and certain types of starch. The enzyme saccharase-isomaltase breaks down these carbohydrates into smaller, digestible sugars. A deficiency causes symptoms similar to lactose intolerance.
Affected individuals must adjust their diet accordingly and avoid or significantly reduce sucrose-containing foods as well as certain types of starch. Modern dietary supplements can provide supportive effects here.
Diagnostic Methods for Detection
IgE Antibody Tests
For the diagnosis of true food allergies, IgE antibody tests are the method of choice. These blood tests can detect specific antibodies against various food allergens. Additionally, skin tests (prick tests) are often performed, where small amounts of the suspected allergen are applied to the skin.
Hydrogen Breath Test
The hydrogen breath test is a proven method for diagnosing various enzyme deficiencies. In this test, the person to be examined drinks a solution containing the suspected sugar (e.g., lactose). If it cannot be properly digested, colon bacteria produce characteristic gases during fermentation that can be measured in the exhaled air.
This test is non-invasive, safe, and provides reliable results. It can be performed for various sugars, including lactose, fructose, and sorbitol.
Elimination diet for food intolerances
The elimination diet is a systematic method for identifying problematic foods. Suspected foods are completely removed from the diet for a certain period. If symptoms disappear, the foods are reintroduced one by one to identify the trigger.
This method requires patience and discipline but is especially helpful for complex food intolerances that cannot be clearly diagnosed by other tests.
The role of enzymes in food intolerances
Enzymes are highly specialized proteins that act as biological catalysts. They accelerate chemical reactions in the body without being consumed themselves. In the digestive system, they are indispensable for breaking down complex food molecules into smaller, absorbable units.
Each enzyme has a specific task. Lactase breaks down lactose, sucrase breaks down sucrose, and various proteases (protein-splitting enzymes) break down proteins. If an enzyme is missing or its activity is reduced, characteristic digestive problems arise.
Enzyme production can be influenced by various factors: genetics, age, diseases, or certain medications. While some enzyme deficiencies are congenital, others can develop over the course of life.
Better digestion through enzyme preparations
Modern dietary supplements can provide valuable support for various enzyme deficiencies. Lactase preparations allow people with lactose intolerance to enjoy dairy products without developing symptoms. These enzymes are usually derived from natural sources and offered in standardized form.
Nutrador® offers a selection of high-quality enzyme preparations that can be used for various intolerances. The correct dosage and application are crucial for the success of the treatment.
In addition to enzymes, other nutraceuticals can also be helpful. Probiotics (beneficial gut bacteria) can positively influence the gut environment and improve the tolerance of certain foods. Prebiotics (food for beneficial bacteria) promote the growth of a healthy gut flora.
When is medical diagnostics essential?
Although many food intolerances are harmless, there are situations where professional medical diagnostics are indispensable:
In cases of severe or recurring symptoms, a medical professional should always be consulted. Signs such as severe abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, weight loss, or signs of an allergic reaction require immediate medical evaluation.
Professional diagnostics are also important if a true food allergy is suspected, as it can be life-threatening. An accurate diagnosis enables targeted measures to be taken and emergency plans to be developed.
Children and adolescents should always be medically examined if food intolerances are suspected, as untreated intolerances can affect growth and development.
Recognizing food intolerances: lifestyle adjustments and nutritional strategies
Successfully managing food intolerances often requires adjusting eating habits. This does not automatically mean giving up foods but rather learning new strategies for handling foods.
In enzyme deficiencies, taking appropriate enzyme preparations before meals can significantly improve tolerance. The dosage should be individually adjusted, often in consultation with medical professionals.
A balanced diet remains important despite intolerances. Alternative foods can prevent nutrient deficiencies. For example, people with lactose intolerance can switch to lactose-free products or plant-based alternatives while also using calcium sources such as green leafy vegetables or fortified plant drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I distinguish a food allergy from an intolerance?
Food allergies usually occur quickly after consumption (within minutes to two hours) and can cause severe symptoms such as rash, swelling, or breathing difficulties. Intolerances often develop delayed and mainly manifest as digestive complaints like bloating, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. If an allergy is suspected, a medical professional should always be consulted, as allergic reactions can be life-threatening.
Can enzyme preparations be taken permanently?
Enzyme preparations are considered safe for long-term use when used according to the manufacturer's instructions. They replace missing endogenous enzymes and usually do not cause tolerance or dependence. The optimal dosage can vary individually and should be discussed with medical professionals if necessary. It is important to choose high-quality preparations from trusted manufacturers.
When should I see a doctor if I suspect a food intolerance?
A medical evaluation is recommended for severe or persistent symptoms, repeated complaints after eating, weight loss, or signs of a possible allergic reaction. Especially in children and adolescents, professional diagnostics are important to avoid nutrient deficiencies and growth disorders. Even if self-tests or elimination diets do not yield clear results, a medical examination can provide clarity.
Legal notice regarding health-related claims:
Our information is for general informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Dietary supplements do not replace a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Health-related claims about dietary supplements must comply with the Health Claims Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006 and be approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). If you have health complaints or questions, please consult a doctor.
