Substances that cause altered physical reactions are called what?

Substances that cause altered physical reactions are called what?

• A. Allergens
• B. Enzymes
• C. Bacteria
• D. Toxins

Answer: (A)

Allergens are substances that can trigger an immune reaction in people who are sensitive to them. When the body encounters an allergen, the immune system may produce IgE antibodies. On subsequent exposures, those antibodies trigger cells to release histamine and other chemicals, causing physical symptoms such as itching, swelling, hives, runny nose, or even breathing difficulties in severe cases. In nutrition, recognizing common food allergens—like peanuts, dairy, or shellfish—is crucial for preventing these reactions. The other possibilities don’t fit as neatly: enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts to speed up digestion, not substances that provoke allergic responses; bacteria are living organisms that can cause illness through infection rather than triggering a typical allergic reaction; toxins cause harm by poisoning tissues but aren’t defined by provoking an immune-mediated allergic response.

Allergens are substances that can trigger an immune reaction in people who are sensitive to them. When the body encounters an allergen, the immune system may produce IgE antibodies. On subsequent exposures, those antibodies trigger cells to release histamine and other chemicals, causing physical symptoms such as itching, swelling, hives, runny nose, or even breathing difficulties in severe cases. In nutrition, recognizing common food allergens—like peanuts, dairy, or shellfish—is crucial for preventing these reactions.

The other possibilities don’t fit as neatly: enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts to speed up digestion, not substances that provoke allergic responses; bacteria are living organisms that can cause illness through infection rather than triggering a typical allergic reaction; toxins cause harm by poisoning tissues but aren’t defined by provoking an immune-mediated allergic response.