Types of Food Allergies
Food allergies are divided into three types depending [2] on the symptoms of the reaction and the duration it takes for the symptoms to occur.
- IgE mediated food allergy: this is the most common type of allergic response to food. It is caused by Immunoglobulin-E antibodies. The symptoms associated with IgE-mediated allergies usually occur within seconds to minutes and can range from mild to severe. Although, the risk of severe reaction is higher with this type of allergic response.
- Non-IgE mediated food allergy: this is less common and even less understood. The symptoms take hours to develop and while the immune system is involved in this response; Immunoglobulin-E antibodies are not involved [3].
- Mixed IgE and Non-IgE food allergy.