Food allergy and gastrointestinal diseases.

Several gastrointestinal diseases and symptoms have been attributed to food intolerance, but in only a few cases has the participation of immune mechanisms been confirmed. Acute or chronic gastroenteritis is commonly due to allergic reactions to food proteins, inflammatory diseases and infections, or the presence of immunological defects may induce secondarily a food allergic disorder. This review will focus on the immunopathogenetical importance of the mucosal and systemic defenses, and the absorption of food proteins by the gut.