Food Sensitivities & Allergies Flashcards

Anaphylaxis is best characterized as which type of hypersensitivity reaction?

Answer: Type I (immediate IgE-mediated)

Anaphylaxis is a rapid, systemic Type I hypersensitivity reaction triggered by IgE-mast cell activation and massive histamine release.

A client with suspected celiac disease should ideally have testing done while:

Answer: Consuming gluten regularly

Celiac antibodies (tTG-IgA) and intestinal biopsy findings normalize on a gluten-free diet, producing false negatives if gluten is avoided before testing.

The elimination diet protocol most commonly used in functional nutrition typically removes suspect foods for:

Answer: 3-4 weeks

A 3-4 week elimination period allows IgG immune complexes to clear and symptoms to resolve before systematic reintroduction.

Which intestinal cell type is most responsible for maintaining tight junction integrity?

Answer: Enterocytes

Enterocytes form the single-cell epithelial layer and express claudins, occludins, and zonula occludens proteins that constitute tight junctions.

Nightshade vegetables contain which compound that may promote intestinal permeability in sensitive individuals?

Answer: Saponins

Saponins in nightshades like tomatoes and potatoes can disrupt intestinal membranes and increase permeability in susceptible individuals.

Which probiotic strain has the most evidence for supporting oral tolerance and reducing food allergy symptoms?

Answer: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

LGG has demonstrated ability to reduce the severity of IgE-mediated allergies, particularly in children, and supports regulatory T-cell development.

In NTP philosophy, which foundational block must be addressed before food sensitivity protocols can be most effective?

Answer: Digestion

Adequate digestion (stomach acid, enzymes, bile) breaks down food proteins completely, preventing intact antigens from triggering immune responses.