What term describes the inability of the digestive system to properly process and absorb certain food elements?

The term that accurately describes the inability of the digestive system to properly process and absorb certain food elements is intolerance. Food intolerance occurs when the body has difficulty digesting a particular food or ingredient, leading to various symptoms such as bloating, gas, or abdominal pain. This condition does not involve the immune system and is typically related to the digestive system's inability to break down specific components, such as lactose in dairy or gluten in wheat.

In contrast, other options refer to different concepts. An allergy involves an immune response to a food protein, which can cause more severe reactions. Sensitivity is a broader term that may refer to general adverse reactions to foods but does not explicitly indicate a digestive processing issue. A deficiency refers to a lack of essential nutrients in the diet, not to the improper processing or absorption of food elements. Hence, intolerance is the most accurate descriptor for the digestive system's issues with specific foods.