A wheat allergy is an immune system response to a protein that is consumed in wheat.  The immune system reacts by treating the foreign protein as a “threat.”  The allergic symptoms result from the immune system releasing certain chemicals to attack the protein.  Symptoms usually occur within a few minutes of ingestion and in some cases arise after a few hours.  Wheat allergy is one of the most common food allergies, with wheat listed as one of the top 8 allergens.

Wheat allergy is not to be confused with Gluten intolerance, also known as Celiac Disease. In gluten intolerance, the body cannot digest gluten.  As a result the intestinal lining becomes damaged and cannot absorb vitamins, minerals and nutrients.