Intolerance to food can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
Learn more about the symptoms of food intolerance, potential complications, and when to see a healthcare provider.
Albina Gavrilovic / Getty Images
Frequent symptoms
Intolerance to food can cause a variety of symptoms.

Albina Gavrilovic / Getty Images
The most common symptoms of food intolerance are often related to the digestive system.
They may also cause symptoms in the skin and joints.
However, some symptoms of intolerance may take up to 48 hours to appear.
Common symptoms of food intolerance include:
Certain forms of food intolerance can be quite common.
This can cause symptoms similar to those listed above, as well as flatulence.
Another common cause of food intolerance symptoms are naturally occurring chemicals found in food.
However, in some cases, a food intolerance can cause complications.
Lactose intolerance is one example of this.
People who are lactose intolerant find it difficult to digest dairy and milk products.
But these products are an important source of nutrients.
These include:
These vitamins and minerals are important for developing and maintaining healthy bones.
This can lead to a number of complications.
This may change the approach taken during treatment.
They may also refer you to a specialist.
Summary
A food intolerance can cause a variety of symptoms.
A food intolerance is not life-threatening like a food allergy but may cause complications in some cases.
This may include malnutrition, weight loss, or issues with bone health.
A healthcare provider may advise following an elimination diet to determine what foods are causing the problem.
This is considered the gold standard in identifying food intolerances.
A Word From Verywell
Dealing with a food intolerance can be uncomfortable and annoying.
But if you are going through it, you are not alone.
Food intolerances like lactose intolerance are more common than you might think.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.Food intolerance versus food allergy.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Food intolerance.
GI Society.Food allergy vs. intolerance: know the difference.
National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for lactose intolerance.
Harvard Medical School.Food allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity: whats the difference, and why does it matter?
Celiac Disease Foundation.What is celiac disease?