Diet-related diseases are caused by the consumption of foods and/or single nutrients, and are classified in: chronic metabolic diseases, mediated by altered circulating levels of lipids and hormons, in particular the insulin; allergies, caused by IgE-dependent histamine-releasing factors; intolerances, caused by the insufficiency or deficiency of some digestive enzymes or by an individual’s anomalous immunological response different from IgE releasing; toxic reactions, due to harmful substances found in foods because of unhealthy food production or storage.
The Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS, the National Institute of Health in Italy) carries out translational and epidemiological research, risk assessment, technical-scientific advice to the Ministry of Health, and official control activities in collaboration with competent authorities.
