Which statement about food intolerance is true?

• A. It is generally life threatening.
• B. It is not generally life threatening.
• C. It involves the immune system.
• D. It is exactly the same as a food allergy.

Answer: (B)

Food intolerance is about the body having trouble digesting or reacting to certain foods through non-immune mechanisms. Because it isn’t driven by the immune system, it’s not typically life-threatening, even though symptoms can be uncomfortable. That’s why the true statement is that it is not generally life-threatening. By contrast, a food allergy involves the immune system and can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening reactions, so it isn’t the same as intolerance. Common examples of intolerance include lactose intolerance from lactase deficiency, which causes digestive symptoms after dairy, while allergies involve immune responses and can trigger severe reactions.