Food Intolerance vs Food Allergy: What’s the Difference?

UK Guide by The Test Clinic — Experts in Specialised Intolerance Testing

Introduction

Food reactions are becoming increasingly common across the UK, yet many people still struggle to understand the difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, they involve completely different mechanisms in the body, require different forms of testing, and can lead to very different long-term outcomes.

At The Test Clinic, we specialise in both and through Intolertance testing, we have been able to help many people with their health issues. We help identify food intolerances and sensitivities using advanced bioresonance screening (via blood sample analysis), giving clients a deeper insight into their digestive and immune stress patterns. This article breaks down the differences clearly — and explains how our UK-based clinic can help.

What is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs immediately after eating a specific food or even being close to it. The immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in that food as harmful and produces IgE antibodies, which can trigger immediate symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Food Allergies

These can appear within minutes to 2 hours:

• Swelling of lips, face, or throat

• Difficulty breathing

• Immediate wheezing

• Drop in blood pressure

• Anaphylaxis (a medical emergency)

UK Statistics

• Around 2 million people in the UK live with at least one diagnosed food allergy (Allergy UK).

• Hospital admissions for anaphylaxis have tripled over the past 20 years.

• Children are more commonly affected, especially by milk, egg, nut and sesame allergies.

How Allergies Are Diagnosed

Food allergies require:

• Skin-prick tests

• IgE blood tests (available at our Clinic)

• Specialist allergy clinics (often via GP referral)

The Test Clinic offers Allergy testing, but we regularly help clients identify intolerances and sensitivities, which are different.

🧪 What is a Food Intolerance?

' A food intolerance is when you have difficulty digesting certain foods or ingredients in food.' - Ref: NHS

Food intolerance occurs when the body struggles to digest or process certain foods, often due to enzyme deficiencies, inflammatory responses, or digestive imbalance — not the immune system.

Food intolerances are far more common than allergies, and their symptoms tend to be delayed, appearing hours or even days later, making them harder to identify without testing.

Common Symptoms of Food Intolerance

These can be chronic, cumulative, and hard to trace:

• Bloating

• Gas, constipation, diarrhoea

• Abdominal pain

• Fatigue or brain fog

• Skin issues (eczema, acne, dryness)

• Headaches or migraines

• Sinus congestion

• Joint aches

• Reflux or indigestion

UK Statistics

• Up to 45% of people in the UK are estimated to have at least one food intolerance (Allergy UK).

• Dairy, gluten, eggs, yeast, and certain fruits/vegetables are among the most common triggers.

• Many parents report that symptoms in babies (eczema, colic, reflux) are often linked to undiagnosed food intolerances.

Key Differences Between Food Allergy and Intolerance

Why Food Intolerance Is Often Missed in the UK

Many people experience chronic symptoms but struggle to get answers because:

• GP allergy testing only covers IgE allergies, not intolerances.

• NHS services generally do not provide intolerance testing.

• Symptoms are often delayed and confusing.

• Many people have multiple moderate sensitivities, not one extreme trigger.

  
  

This leads to years of guessing, trial-and-error diets, or unnecessary medication.

How The Test Clinic Helps

We offer one of the UK’s most advanced Food Intolerance & Sensitivity Tests, combining:

✔ Advanced Bioresonance Screening

Using a small blood sample to analyse:

• Food sensitivities

• Chemical/environmental stressors

  
  

✔ Over 300 Items Screened (depending on package) Including:

• Common foods

• Preservatives

• Additives

• Environmental triggers (if chosen)

✔ Suitable for Adults, Children & Babies

Including infants with eczema, reflux, colic, or chronic congestion.

✔ UK Clinics + Home Test Kits

Visit us at one of our Clinics or choose a home test kit.

✔ Fast Results + Clear Report

Easy-to-read results (traffic light system) showing:

• No reaction

• Mild reaction

• Strong reaction

  
  

✔ BCMA & CMA Accredited Clinic

Providing professional, trusted complementary health screening.

Which One Might You Have — Allergy or Intolerance?

Consider intolerance testing if you experience:

• Persistent digestive issues

• Eczema, acne, psoriasis flare-ups

• Headaches or chronic fatigue

• Bloating after meals

• Unexplained inflammation

• Reflux or sinus congestion

• Baby/child symptoms that doctors can’t explain

Most clients tell us they “wish they did this sooner”.

Book Your Food Intolerance Test in the UK

Whether you are struggling with digestive issues, skin problems, or unexplained symptoms, our Food Intolerance Test can help identify the foods and substances contributing to your discomfort.

Available Options

• In-Clinic Testing - come and see us (Ilford & other locations)

• Home Test Kits - take the pin prick sample yourself (UK and worldwide)

• Specialised Baby & Toddler Intolerance Tests

• Vitamin Imbalance, Gut Wellness and more tests available

  
  

👉 Learn more or book online at TheTestClinic.com

👉 Or message us on WhatsApp for quick booking