What causes a food allergy?

• A. It happens when your immune system attacks a food protein.
• B. A vitamin deficiency from eating the food.
• C. A bacterial contamination in the food.
• D. A normal digestion process.

Answer: (A)

Food allergy happens when the immune system misreads a harmless food protein as a threat and mounts an attack against it. The body often makes IgE antibodies to that protein; when you eat it again, these antibodies signal immune cells to release chemicals like histamine. That chemical release leads to symptoms such as itching, swelling, hives, or even trouble breathing. This is an immune reaction, not a vitamin deficiency, food contamination, or a normal digestion process. So the cause is the immune system attacking a food protein.