The pediatric nurse educator is teaching a group of parents about distinguishing between food allergies and food intolerance.The nurse should teach parents that which of the following is/are considered to be true food allergens? Select all that apply.

A) Egg whites
B) Shellfish
C) Peanuts
D) Corn

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID)characterizes a food allergy as a true immune system reaction prompted by the presence in the body of an allergenic food.Some common food allergens include dairy products,egg whites,shellfish,gluten,peanuts and other nuts,citrus fruits,and soy.Immune responses to foods manifests as a variety of symptoms ranging from a mild rash to anaphylactic shock.Food intolerance,in contrast to a food allergy,is specifically linked to the GI system.It produces such symptoms as GI discomfort,pain,gas,bloating,diarrhea,or constipation.An example is lactose intolerance,a deficiency of the enzyme lactase.Corn is not considered a food allergen,although some people may find corn to be constipating.