What is a food allergy?

A food allergy specifically refers to an immune system mediated reaction in response to certain proteins found in foods. This involves immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, among other components, which trigger an allergic response when a person consumes the allergenic food. This immediate hypersensitivity reaction can lead to symptoms that affect multiple systems in the body, including the skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system.

Understanding food allergies is crucial, as they can cause severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which requires prompt treatment. This immunological aspect distinguishes food allergies from other types of food reactions, such as food intolerances, which do not involve the immune system and typically have milder symptoms. Thus, option C accurately captures the nature of a food allergy, emphasizing it as an IgE mediated immune response.