The Silent Threat: Understanding the Dangers of Food Allergies

The Immune System's Overreaction

At its core, a food allergy is a case of immune system mistaken identity. When a susceptible person ingests a specific food protein (the allergen), their body registers it as a threat.

Sensitization: Similar to environmental allergies, the first exposure prompts the immune system to produce large amounts of the antibody Immunoglobulin  specific to that food protein. These $\text{IgE}$ antibodies attach to mast cells (in tissues) and basophils (in blood).