What is the general term for reactions that can involve any body system regarding food?

The term that describes reactions involving any body system related to food is food sensitivity. This encompasses a broad range of responses that may not be immune-mediated, distinguishing it from specific conditions like food allergies. Food sensitivity can manifest through various symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal, neurological, and other systems in the body, indicating that multiple systems may respond to certain food components.

Food intolerance, on the other hand, typically refers to specific digestive issues that arise from the inability to properly digest certain foods, which may not invoke a systemic reaction. Food allergy involves a clear immune response to a specific food allergen, leading to symptoms that can be severe and life-threatening. Nutritional deficiency relates to a lack of essential nutrients in the diet, rather than reactions to food itself.

By understanding that food sensitivity is a general term capturing a wide array of responses across various body systems, it becomes clear why this is the correct choice in this context.