Which of the following is a feature of a food intolerance?

A food intolerance is characterized by difficulty digesting certain foods, which often results in gastrointestinal issues. This can manifest as symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consuming the offending food. Unlike food allergies, which typically trigger an immediate immune response and can result in rapid reactions, food intolerances generally produce symptoms that develop more gradually, often making them less immediate but still uncomfortable.

Gastrointestinal symptoms are the hallmark of food intolerances, distinguishing them from the other choices. For example, immediate allergic reactions are associated with food allergies rather than intolerances, which typically do not provoke the immune system in the same way. Similarly, while long-term health issues can arise from consistent consumption of a food one cannot tolerate, they are not a defining feature of the intolerance itself. Skin rashes are more commonly linked to food allergies, where an immune response might lead to such symptoms, rather than the digestive issues central to a food intolerance.