Samadi N, et al. - Researchers investigated the role of the intestinal barrier function in food allergy by analyzing available data from relevant studies identified via a MEDLINE search. They found that for the separation of immunologically active food compounds from immune induction sites in the intestinal tract, different layers of the gastrointestinal barrier were held accountable. The contribution of intestinal barrier dysfunction as well as impaired gastric protein degradation to food allergy was reported. As a result of consumption of anti-ulcer medication causing gastric acid suppression, food allergy induction and facilitation of food adverse reactions in already sensitized individuals were repeatedly reported. In order to prevent immunologically mediated food hypersensitive reactions, the paramount importance of a functional gastrointestinal barrier was highlighted.