Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

Food intolerance is best described as the inability to digest certain foods due to the absence of specific enzymes or other factors that affect digestion. This condition can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consuming foods that the body struggles to process. Unlike food allergies, which involve the immune system and can lead to severe reactions, food intolerance typically results from a digestive issue rather than an immune response.

Understanding the nature of food intolerance is vital for dietary management, as it guides the identification of problematic foods and appropriate dietary adjustments. For example, lactose intolerance occurs when individuals lack the enzyme lactase needed to break down lactose, the sugar found in dairy products, leading to discomfort upon consumption. Thus, recognizing food intolerance can help prevent symptoms and improve overall health through necessary dietary changes.