Food allergy was introduced in the previous issue of Macao Sport, this time, let us introduce food intolerance.Food allergy differs from food intolerance, food intolerance mostly happens among the adult populations and does not involve the immune system; it is an adverse reaction to food in the human body. Among the many causes of food intolerance, the most common ones are the absence of a specific enzyme within the human body or the inability of the human body to produce enough enzymes for digestion. Lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance are the two most common types of food intolerance. Some natural chemical substances in food (such as salicylic acid, amines and glutamic acid) and food additives including artificial colors and preservatives (such as sorbic acid, formic acid, sulfite, nitrate and synthetic antioxidants) can induce food intolerance. The occurrence of food intolerance may be due to the stimulation of nerve endings of various body parts by these natural chemical substances, thereby causing the adverse reactions. Symptoms of food intolerance include eczema, gastrointestinal discomfort (such as cramping, bloating and diarrhea), headaches, fatigue and mouth ulcers. The degree of adverse reactions depends on the amount of food consumed and the tolerance level is different for each individual. A small amount of food intake that contains the suspicious substance may not cause an immediate reaction. Since food intolerance can also cause severe reactions similar to that caused by food allergy, therefore athletes need to know their own situation so as to prevent the occurrence of severe reactions.

For inquiries, please feel free to call the doctors or dieticians at the Sports Medicine Centre at 28810896.