Q&A for How to Differentiate Between a Gluten Allergy and Lactose Intolerance

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Is there a difference between a gluten allergy and a gluten sensitivity?

Katie Marks-Cogan, MD
Board Certified Pediatric & Adult Allergist
Dr. Katie Marks-Cogan is a board certified Pediatric & Adult Allergist at Clear Allergy based in Los Angeles, California. She is the Chief Allergist for Ready, Set, Food!, an infant dietary supplement designed to reduce the risk of childhood food allergies. She received her M.D. with honors from the University of Maryland. She then completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Northwestern University and fellowship in Allergy/Immunology at the University of Pennsylvania and CHOP.

Katie Marks-Cogan, MD

Board Certified Pediatric & Adult Allergist

Expert Answer

It helps to think of food intolerance as a spectrum. A severe allergy may have serious symptoms, like swelling and trouble breathing, and you may need to carry an epipen with you in the event that you experience anaphylaxis. An intolerance, or sensitivity, is typically associated with symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even anemia.

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Can you test for gluten intolerance at home?

Katie Marks-Cogan, MD
Board Certified Pediatric & Adult Allergist
Dr. Katie Marks-Cogan is a board certified Pediatric & Adult Allergist at Clear Allergy based in Los Angeles, California. She is the Chief Allergist for Ready, Set, Food!, an infant dietary supplement designed to reduce the risk of childhood food allergies. She received her M.D. with honors from the University of Maryland. She then completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Northwestern University and fellowship in Allergy/Immunology at the University of Pennsylvania and CHOP.

Katie Marks-Cogan, MD

Board Certified Pediatric & Adult Allergist

Expert Answer

Unfortunately, there is no diagnostic test for gluten sensitivity. It is "diagnosed" by exclusion only. So if symptoms go away or are managed well on a gluten-free diet, you can assume a gluten sensitivity.

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What are the hardest foods for your body to digest?

Peter Gardner, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Peter W. Gardner, MD is a board certified physician who has practiced Gastroenterology and Hepatology for over 30 years. He specializes in diseases of the digestive system and liver. Dr. Gardner earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and attended Georgetown Medical School. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and then his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut. He is a previous Chief of Gastroenterology at Stamford Hospital and remains on the staff. He is also on the staff of Greenwich Hospital and New York (Columbia) Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Gardner is an Approved Consultant in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Peter Gardner, MD

Board Certified Gastroenterologist

Expert Answer

Eating high fat foods slows down the emptying of the stomach, which can cause digestive issues. Food and drinks containing lactose can cause issues including bloating, diarrhea, and gas if you are lactose intolerant. Foods containing gluten, such as bread, can also cause gas for those with celiac disease.

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Is lactose intolerance and B12 connected?

Jennifer Boidy, RN
Registered Nurse
Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse based in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to her nursing career, she also works as a Healthcare Content Strategist & Writer, helping businesses and non-profits market their products and services to healthcare provider organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare services vendors. Jennifer’s areas of expertise include pharmaceuticals & life sciences, health technology, medical devices & diagnostics, health insurance & managed care, and healthcare services & facilities. Her certification as a Registered Nurse was issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Marketing and Finance. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012.

Jennifer Boidy, RN

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

Lactose intolerance may affect the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, which could cause low levels of vitamin B12. If you suspect this, you can consult with you doctor and get a blood test to check your B12 level.

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