What are the signs of lactose intolerance. How can you manage lactose intolerance symptoms. What dietary changes are necessary for lactose intolerant individuals. Which foods contain hidden lactose. Are there lactose-free alternatives available in the market.

Understanding Lactose Intolerance: A Digestive Dilemma

Lactose intolerance is a common digestive issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the body is unable to properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. This condition can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products.

The primary cause of lactose intolerance is a deficiency in the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose in the small intestine. Without sufficient lactase, undigested lactose moves into the colon, where it ferments and causes digestive discomfort.

Types of Lactose Intolerance

• Primary lactose intolerance: The most common form, typically developing in adulthood
• Secondary lactose intolerance: Caused by injury or illness affecting the small intestine
• Congenital lactose intolerance: A rare genetic disorder present from birth
• Developmental lactose intolerance: Temporary condition in premature infants

Is lactose intolerance permanent? In most cases, lactose intolerance is a lifelong condition. However, some instances, such as those caused by gastroenteritis, may be temporary and improve within a few days or weeks.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Identifying lactose intolerance can be crucial for managing your digestive health. The symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming lactose-containing foods or beverages.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Bloating and abdominal cramps
• Excessive gas (flatulence)
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Rumbling sounds in the stomach

Do all lactose intolerant individuals experience the same severity of symptoms? No, the severity of symptoms can vary greatly among individuals. Some people may be able to consume small amounts of lactose without issues, while others experience discomfort from even trace amounts.

Dietary Management: Navigating a Lactose-Free Lifestyle

Managing lactose intolerance primarily involves making dietary changes. The goal is to reduce or eliminate lactose intake while ensuring adequate nutrition. Here are some strategies to consider:

Gradual Elimination and Experimentation

Can you still enjoy some dairy products if you’re lactose intolerant? Possibly. Start by gradually reducing your lactose intake and pay attention to how your body reacts. Some individuals may tolerate small amounts of lactose, especially when consumed with other foods.

Reading Food Labels

Become an expert at reading food labels. Lactose can hide in unexpected places, including:

• Baked goods and bread
• Processed meats
• Salad dressings and sauces
• Breakfast cereals
• Instant soups and potato mixes

Look for ingredients like milk, whey, curds, and milk products such as cheese, butter, and cream.

Lactose-Free Alternatives

Fortunately, there are numerous lactose-free alternatives available in the market:

• Plant-based milks (soy, almond, oat, rice)
• Lactose-free dairy products
• Dairy-free cheeses and yogurts
• Vegan ice creams and desserts

Are lactose-free alternatives nutritionally equivalent to regular dairy products? While many alternatives are fortified with calcium and vitamins, it’s important to check the nutritional content to ensure you’re meeting your dietary needs.

Hidden Sources of Lactose: Unexpected Culprits

Lactose can lurk in surprising places, making it challenging for those with lactose intolerance to avoid completely. Being aware of these hidden sources can help you make informed dietary choices.

Medications and Supplements

Did you know that some medications can contain lactose? Both prescription and over-the-counter medicines may use lactose as a filler or binding agent. While the amount is usually small, it could potentially cause issues for those with severe lactose intolerance.

Always consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the lactose content in your medications, especially if you’re starting a new prescription.

Processed Foods

Processed foods often contain milk derivatives that may not be immediately obvious. Watch out for ingredients like:

• Casein and caseinates
• Whey protein
• Dry milk solids
• Lactoglobulin
• Lactalbumin

These ingredients can be found in a wide range of products, from protein bars to canned soups and even some types of alcohol.

Nutritional Considerations for Lactose Intolerant Individuals

While managing lactose intolerance, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re still getting all the necessary nutrients typically found in dairy products. Calcium, vitamin D, and protein are particularly important.

Calcium Sources

How can lactose intolerant individuals meet their calcium needs? Consider these non-dairy calcium sources:

• Leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, collard greens)
• Fortified plant-based milks
• Calcium-set tofu
• Sardines and canned salmon with bones
• Almonds and Brazil nuts

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption. Good sources include:

• Sunlight exposure
• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna)
• Egg yolks
• Fortified foods

Is supplementation necessary for lactose intolerant individuals? In some cases, calcium and vitamin D supplements may be recommended. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.

Lactase Enzyme Supplements: A Potential Solution?

For those who occasionally want to enjoy dairy products, lactase enzyme supplements can be a helpful tool. These supplements provide the lactase enzyme that lactose intolerant individuals lack, allowing for easier digestion of dairy.

How to Use Lactase Supplements

Lactase supplements are typically taken just before consuming dairy products. They come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid drops that can be added directly to milk.

Are lactase supplements effective for everyone with lactose intolerance? While many people find relief with these supplements, their effectiveness can vary. It’s best to start with a small amount of dairy and gradually increase to find your tolerance level.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While generally considered safe, lactase supplements may not be suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and individuals with certain health conditions should consult their healthcare provider before using these supplements.

Living with Lactose Intolerance: Practical Tips and Strategies

Managing lactose intolerance doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With some planning and awareness, you can maintain a balanced diet and enjoy a variety of foods.

Dining Out

Eating at restaurants can be challenging for those with lactose intolerance. Here are some tips:

• Research menus in advance
• Communicate your dietary needs clearly to the staff
• Ask about ingredient substitutions
• Consider carrying lactase supplements for unexpected dairy encounters

Social Situations

How can you navigate social events that often revolve around food? Try these strategies:

• Offer to bring a lactose-free dish to share
• Eat a small meal before attending events where food options may be limited
• Educate friends and family about your dietary needs
• Focus on non-food aspects of social gatherings

Traveling with Lactose Intolerance

Exploring new cuisines while managing lactose intolerance can be an adventure. Consider these tips:

• Research traditional dishes of your destination
• Learn key phrases to communicate your dietary needs in the local language
• Pack lactase supplements and familiar snacks
• Stay hydrated to help alleviate potential digestive discomfort

Can you still enjoy international cuisines if you’re lactose intolerant? Absolutely! Many global cuisines offer naturally lactose-free options. For example, traditional East Asian dishes often use little to no dairy, while Mediterranean cuisine offers a wealth of plant-based options.

The Future of Lactose Intolerance Management

As our understanding of digestive health evolves, so do the strategies for managing lactose intolerance. Researchers are exploring new avenues to help individuals with this condition.

Emerging Treatments

What new treatments are on the horizon for lactose intolerance? Some promising areas of research include:

• Probiotics that may help improve lactose digestion
• Gene therapy to potentially restore lactase production
• Development of more effective and longer-lasting lactase supplements

Personalized Nutrition

The field of nutrigenomics, which studies the interaction between nutrition and genes, may offer personalized dietary recommendations for individuals with lactose intolerance in the future.

Could genetic testing help predict lactose intolerance? While genetic markers for lactose intolerance have been identified, more research is needed to develop reliable predictive tests.

Improved Food Technology

Advancements in food science are leading to the development of new lactose-free products that closely mimic the taste and texture of traditional dairy. This includes innovative techniques for removing lactose from milk while preserving its nutritional value.

As we continue to unravel the complexities of lactose intolerance, individuals affected by this condition can look forward to an expanding array of management options and improved quality of life. By staying informed about the latest research and working closely with healthcare providers, those with lactose intolerance can navigate their dietary needs with confidence and enjoy a diverse, nutritious diet.

Lactose intolerance – Illnesses & conditions

There’s no cure for lactose intolerance, but most people are able to control their symptoms by making changes to their diet.

Some cases of lactose intolerance, such as those caused by gastroenteritis, are only temporary and will improve within a few days or weeks. Other cases, such as those caused by an inherited genetic fault or a long-term underlying condition, are likely to be lifelong.

Changing your diet

In most cases, cutting down on or avoiding sources of lactose and replacing them with lactose-free alternatives is enough to control the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

The exact changes you need to make to your diet depend on how sensitive you are to lactose. Some people are able to tolerate some lactose in their diet without any problems, whereas others experience symptoms after consuming food containing only a tiny amount of lactose.

If you decide to experiment with what you can and can’t eat, make sure to introduce new foods gradually, rather than all at once. This will help you to get used to any foods you might be sensitive to and identify any that cause problems.

Eating fewer products containing lactose, or avoiding them completely, can mean you miss out on certain vitamins and minerals in your diet and increase your risk of complications. You’ll also need to make sure you’re getting enough nutrition from either lacto-free foods or dietary supplements.

If you or your child are extremely sensitive to lactose, talk to your GP about your diet.

Milk products are rich in calcium needed for healthy bones so you may need to have regular bone density checks.

You may be referred to a dietitian (an expert in diet and nutrition) who can advise about what foods should be included in your, or your child’s, diet.

Sources of lactose

Some of the main sources of lactose you may need to cut down on or avoid if you’re lactose intolerant are described below.

Milk

A major source of lactose is milk, including cow’s milk, goat’s milk and sheep’s milk. Depending on how mild or severe your lactose intolerance is, you may need to change the amount of milk in your diet.

For example:

• you may be able to have milk in your tea or coffee, but not on your cereal
• some products containing milk, such as milk chocolate, may still be acceptable in small quantities
• you may find that drinking milk as part of a meal, rather than on its own, improves how the lactose is absorbed

If even a small amount of milk triggers your symptoms, there are some alternatives you can try, such as soya or rice milk (see below).

Dairy products

Other dairy products made from milk, such as butter, ice cream and cheese, can also contain high levels of lactose and may need to be avoided if you’re lactose intolerant.

Some dairy products however, such as hard cheese and yoghurt, contain lower levels of lactose than milk and other products, so you may still be able to have them.

It’s worth experimenting with different foods to find out if there are any dairy products you can eat because they’re a good source of essential nutrients such as calcium.

Other foods and drinks

As well as milk and dairy products, there are other foods and drinks that can sometimes contain lactose.

These include:

• salad cream, salad dressing and mayonnaise
• biscuits
• chocolate
• boiled sweets
• cakes
• some types of bread and other baked goods
• some breakfast cereals
• packets of mixes to make pancakes and biscuits
• packets of instant potatoes and instant soup
• some processed meats, such as sliced ham

Check the ingredients of all food and drink products carefully, because milk or lactose are often hidden ingredients.

The lactose found in some foods won’t necessarily be listed separately on the food label, so you need to check the ingredients list for milk, whey, curds and milk products such as cheese, butter and cream.

Some ingredients may sound like they contain lactose when they don’t, such as lactic acid, sodium lactate and cocoa butter. These ingredients don’t need to be avoided if you’re lactose intolerant.

Medication

Some prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and complementary medicines may contain a small amount of lactose. While this isn’t usually enough to trigger the symptoms of lactose intolerance in most people, it may cause problems if your intolerance is severe or you’re taking several different medicines.

If you need to start taking a new medication, check with your GP or pharmacist in case it contains lactose.

Lactose-free foods and drinks

There are a number of alternative foods and drinks available in supermarkets to replace the milk and dairy products you need to avoid.

Food and drinks that don’t usually contain lactose include:

• soya milks, yoghurts and some cheeses
• milks made from rice, oats, almonds, hazelnuts, coconut, quinoa, and potato
• foods which carry the ‘dairy-free’ or ‘suitable for vegans’ signs
• carob bars

You can also buy cow’s milk containing additional lactase (the enzyme used to digest lactose). This means you still get the nutritional benefits of the milk, but you’re less likely to experience any symptoms after consuming it.

Getting enough calcium

If you’re unable to eat most dairy products, you may not be getting enough calcium in your daily diet. Calcium has several important functions, including:

• helping build strong bones and teeth
• regulating muscle contractions (including heartbeat)
• ensuring blood clots normally

Therefore, it’s a good idea to choose lactose-free products with added calcium and ensure your diet contains alternative sources of calcium, such as:

• green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, cabbage and okra
• soya beans
• tofu
• nuts
• bread and anything made with fortified flour
• fish containing edible bones (for example, sardines, salmon, and pilchards)

You can also buy combined calcium and vitamin D supplements from most pharmacists to help maintain good bone health.

It’s important to check with your GP or dietitian whether you should be taking supplements, however, as taking excessively high levels of calcium can cause side effects.

Lactase substitutes

In addition to dietary changes, you may also find it useful to take liquid drops, tablets or capsules that contain lactase substitutes. These are available from most health foods shops.

Lactase substitutes replace the lactase your small intestine isn’t producing, which can reduce your symptoms by helping your body break down any lactose in your diet more easily.

Lactase substitutes can either be added to milk or taken just before eating a meal containing lactose.

Lactose intolerance in children

If your child is lactose intolerant, they may be able to consume small amounts of lactose without experiencing symptoms. This is quite safe, but you may need to experiment to find out how much they can comfortably eat or drink.

If your child is unable to tolerate any lactose, your doctor may refer you to a dietitian for nutritional advice because it’s important for young children to have certain nutrients in their diet to ensure healthy growth and development.

In general, the same rules about foods to try or to avoid are similar for children and adults (see above).

For babies with lactose intolerance, lactose-free formula milk is available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets. However, soya formula isn’t recommended for children under six months because it contains hormones that may interfere with your baby’s future physical and sexual development.

Breastfed babies may benefit from lactase substitute drops to help their bodies digest the lactose in breast milk.

For many children, lactose intolerance is only temporary and will improve after a few weeks. After this point it’s safe to gradually reintroduce milk and dairy products into their diet.

5 Signs and Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

If you are lactose intolerant, you typically experience digestive symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, and other symptoms, after consuming lactose.

Lactose is a type of sugar found naturally in the milk of most mammals.

Lactose intolerance is a condition characterized by symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea, which are caused by lactose malabsorption (1).

In humans, an enzyme known as lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose for digestion. This is particularly important in infants, who need lactase to digest breast milk.

However, as children grow older, they generally produce less and less lactase.

By adulthood, nearly 70% of people across the globe no longer produce enough lactase to properly digest the lactose in milk, leading to symptoms when they consume dairy. Lactose intolerance is less common among people of European and northwestern Indian descent (1, 2).

Some people may also develop lactose intolerance after surgery or due to gastrointestinal conditions such as viral or bacterial infections (3).

Here are the 5 most common signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Stomach pain and bloating are common symptoms of lactose intolerance in both children and adults.

When the body is unable to break down lactose, it passes through the gut until it reaches the colon (4).

Carbohydrates such as lactose cannot be absorbed by the cells lining the colon, but they can be fermented and broken down by the naturally occurring bacteria that live there, known as the microflora (5).

This fermentation causes the release of short-chain fatty acids, as well as the gases hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide (4).

The resulting increase in acids and gases can lead to stomach pain and cramps. The pain is usually located around the navel and in the lower half of the tummy.

The sensation of bloating is caused by an increase of water and gas in the colon, which causes the gut wall to stretch, also known as distention (5).

Interestingly, the amount of bloating and pain is not related to the amount of lactose ingested, but to the sensitivity of the individual to feelings of distention. Therefore, the frequency and severity of symptoms can vary significantly between individuals (5, 6).

It’s important to note that stomach pain and bloating are common symptoms that could result from other causes, such as overeating, other kinds of malabsorption, infections, medications and other illnesses.

Summary

Stomach pain and bloating are common with lactose intolerance. They are caused when bacteria in the colon ferment lactose that the body has left undigested, resulting in excess gas and water. Pain is most often situated around the navel and lower tummy.

2. Diarrhea

Officially, diarrhea is diagnosed when someone has 3 or more watery or loose stools in a 24-hour period (7).

Lactose intolerance causes diarrhea by increasing the volume of water in the colon, which increases the volume and liquid content of the stool (4).

In the colon, microflora ferment lactose to short-chain fatty acids and gases. Most, but not all, of these acids are absorbed back into the colon. The leftover acids and lactose increase the amount of water that the body releases into the colon (4, 5).

For some people with lactose intolerance, consuming as little as 3 grams of lactose can be enough to cause symptoms. However, many people can tolerate 12 grams of lactose, the amount found in 1 cup (240 ml) of milk (3, 5).

If you’re experiencing diarrhea, it doesn’t always mean you have lactose intolerance. There are many other causes of diarrhea including diet, other kinds of malabsorption, medications, infections and inflammatory bowel diseases (8).

Summary

Lactose intolerance can cause diarrhea, or frequent, watery stools. It occurs when undigested lactose ferments in the colon, producing short-chain fatty acids that increase the amount of water in the gut.

The fermentation of lactose in the colon increases the production of the gases hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide (4, 9).

In fact, in people with lactose intolerance, the colon microflora become very good at fermenting lactose into acids and gases. This results in more lactose being fermented in the colon, which further increases flatulence (5).

The amount of gas produced can differ enormously from person to person due to differences in the efficiency of the microflora, as well as the rate of gas reabsorption by the colon (5).

Interestingly, gases produced from lactose fermentation have no odor. In fact, the odor of flatulence comes from the breakdown of proteins in the gut, not carbohydrates (5).

Summary

The fermentation of lactose in the colon can lead to increased flatulence, and the extent to which this occurs can vary significantly from person to person. The gas produced from the fermentation of lactose is odorless.

Lactose intolerance may result in nausea or even vomiting in some people, including in children. In one study, nausea was the second most common symptom associated with lactose intolerance in kids, after abdominal pain (1, 10).

When lactose ferments in the gut, the resulting gases and volatile fatty acids can leave you feeling sick to your stomach. Symptoms tend to appear about 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming dairy (11).

However, nausea and vomiting can have many different causes. These include gastroenteritis (stomach flu), medications, motion sickness, pregnancy, and health conditions affecting your gut, nervous system, or hormones (12).

Summary

Nausea and vomiting can be symptoms of lactose intolerance in adults and children. Like other symptoms, they tend to develop about 30 minutes or up to 2 hours after consuming dairy.

While there’s less scientific support for these symptoms, some case studies have reported other symptoms, including (13, 14, 15, 16):

• constipation
• headaches
• fatigue
• loss of concentration
• muscle and joint pain
• mouth ulcers
• problems urinating
• eczema

However, these symptoms have not been established as true symptoms of lactose intolerance and may have other causes (9, 17).

Additionally, some people with a milk allergy may mistakenly attribute their symptoms to lactose intolerance.

Cow’s milk allergy is common in infants, affecting as many as 2% to 3% of young babies. In about 90% of cases, this allergy resolves by the time a child is 6 years old (18).

While cow’s milk allergy is more common in young children than in adults, the opposite is true for lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is considered rare in children under 5 years old (1).

A milk allergy and lactose intolerance aren’t related, although they can share symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting (18, 19).

Other symptoms of a milk allergy can include (18):

• hives
• itching
• wheezing
• shortness of breath
• blood in stools
• colic
• swelling in or around the mouth or throat
• anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency

Unlike lactose intolerance, a milk allergy can be life threatening, so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis of symptoms, particularly in children.

Summary

Other reported symptoms include headaches, fatigue, eczema, and muscle and joint pain, but these have not been confirmed as true symptoms. It is important not to confuse lactose intolerance with a milk allergy, which can be fatal.

Because the symptoms of lactose intolerance are rather general, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis before limiting dairy in your diet (20).

In fact, many people who think they have lactose intolerance because they’ve experienced the symptoms have been shown to absorb lactose normally.

To diagnose lactose intolerance, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. Also, they will typically perform a physical exam and request diagnostic testing (1).

Doctors often use the hydrogen breath test to help diagnose lactose intolerance. This test involves ingesting a standard dose of lactose and testing for elevated levels of hydrogen in the breath, which are caused by bacteria fermenting lactose in the colon (4, 20).

Because the hydrogen breath test is sensitive to other factors in addition to lactose, it’s possible to have a false positive result or a false negative result. This means the test can show a positive result when you do not have lactose intolerance, or a negative result when you do (21).

Some estimates suggest that false negatives happen in up to 20% of cases. Even so, the hydrogen breath test is still considered a useful tool for diagnosing lactose intolerance. To help ensure an accurate result, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when preparing for the test (4, 21).

Your doctor will consider your medical history and symptoms when interpreting the results of the test, and may request other tests if needed to confirm your diagnosis or rule out other conditions (1).

Lactose intolerance is defined by the presence of reported symptoms, and that depends on how sensitive a person is to the effects of malabsorption, as well as the amount of lactose in their diet (5).

Treatment of lactose intolerance usually involves restriction or avoidance of high-lactose foods such as milk, soft and processed cheeses, cream, and ice cream (1).

However, people with lactose intolerance can often tolerate up to 1 cup (240 ml) of milk, especially when it’s spread throughout the day. This is equivalent to 0.4–0.5 ounces (12–15 grams) of lactose (4, 22).

Additionally, people often tolerate fermented milk products such as yogurt and certain cheeses better, so these foods may help people meet their calcium needs without causing symptoms (4, 5).

Summary

If you have symptoms of lactose intolerance, your doctor may determine your diagnosis by having you perform a hydrogen breath test. Treatment usually involves avoiding high-lactose foods like milk, though you may still tolerate small amounts.

Lactose intolerance is very common, affecting up to 70% of people worldwide.

The most common symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea and vomiting.

There have been reports of other symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue and eczema, but these are rarer and not well established. Sometimes people mistakenly attribute symptoms of a milk allergy, such as itching and rashes, to lactose intolerance.

If you have symptoms of lactose intolerance, a hydrogen breath test may help determine whether you have lactose malabsorption or your symptoms are caused by something else.

Treatment involves reducing or removing sources of lactose from your diet, including milk, cream and ice cream. However, many people with lactose intolerance can drink up to 1 cup (240 ml) of milk without experiencing symptoms.

The severity of symptoms differs from person to person, so it’s important to find out what amount of dairy works for you.

Lactose intolerance | Symptoms, complications, diagnosis and treatment

People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the lactose in milk. As a result, they develop diarrhea, gas, and bloating after eating or consuming dairy products. The condition, also called lactose malabsorption, is usually harmless, but its symptoms can be uncomfortable. Most people with lactose intolerance can manage the condition without giving up all dairy products.

Lactase deficiency, an enzyme produced in the small intestine, is usually responsible for lactose intolerance. Many people have low lactase levels but can digest dairy products without problems. If you are actually lactose intolerant, lactase deficiency leads to symptoms after you eat dairy products.

Signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose. General signs and symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and sometimes vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Inflate
• Gases

Make an appointment with your doctor if you often experience symptoms of lactose intolerance after eating dairy products, especially if you are worried about getting enough calcium.

Reasons

Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine does not produce enough enzyme (lactase) to digest milk sugar (lactose).

Normally, lactase converts milk sugar into two simple sugars, glucose and galactose, which are absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal lining.

If you are lactase deficient, the lactose in food moves to the large intestine instead of being processed and absorbed. In the colon, normal bacteria interact with undigested lactose, causing the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance.

There are three types of lactose intolerance. Various factors cause lactase deficiency underlying each type.

Primary lactose intolerance

This is the most common type of lactose intolerance. People with primary lactose intolerance begin their lives by producing large amounts of lactase, a must for babies who get all their nutrients from milk. As children replace milk with other foods, their lactase production usually decreases but remains high enough to digest the amount of dairy in a normal adult diet.

In primary lactose intolerance, lactase production drops dramatically, making it difficult for adults to digest dairy products. Primary lactose intolerance is genetically determined, which occurs in a significant proportion of people of African, Asian, or Hispanic ancestry. This condition is also common among Mediterranean or South European ancestry.

Secondary lactose intolerance

This form of lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine reduces its production of lactase after illness, injury, or surgery involving the small intestine. Diseases associated with secondary lactose intolerance include celiac disease, bacterial overgrowth, and Crohn’s disease. Treating the underlying disorder can restore lactase levels and improve symptoms and signs, although this may take some time.

Congenital or developing lactose intolerance

This disorder is passed from generation to generation in a form of inheritance called autosomal recessive. Premature babies may also be lactose intolerant due to insufficient lactase levels.

Factors that may make you or your child more likely to become lactose intolerant, include:

• Growing up. Lactose intolerance usually appears in adulthood. This disease is rare in children and young children.
• Ethnos. Lactose intolerance is most common in African, Asian, Hispanic, and American Indian people.
• Premature birth. Babies born prematurely may have low lactase levels because the small intestine does not develop lactase-producing cells until late in the third trimester.
• Diseases affecting the small intestine. Small intestinal problems that can cause lactose intolerance include bacterial overgrowth, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease.
• Some treatments for cancer. If you’ve had radiation therapy for abdominal cancer or intestinal complications from chemotherapy, you’re at increased risk of lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance: causes, symptoms, analysis

Do you suffer from cramps and bloating? Do you hear a rumbling in your stomach? Periodically worried about loose stools? If these signs appear some time after taking milk and milk-containing products, lactose intolerance (hypolactasia) can be assumed.

Why does this pathology occur and can it be avoided? Let’s figure it out.

Lactose (milk sugar) is a substance found in the milk of mammals and humans. The role of lactose in the body is great: it helps the absorption of certain minerals, including calcium, in the intestines, and also promotes the reproduction of lactobacilli necessary for the body.

Normally, in all babies, lactose is broken down in the small intestine by a special enzyme – lactase. With age, the amount of lactase in the body of some people decreases.

The diet of a modern person is difficult to imagine without dairy products, and the presence of this enzyme in the body is extremely important for the normal process of digestion.

The mechanism of development of hypolactasia

Lactose intolerance occurs when there is a complete absence or insufficient amount of lactase. The task of this enzyme is to participate in the conversion of lactose in the small intestine into glucose and galactose. These carbohydrates are able to pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.

With a lack or absence of lactase, milk sugar in an unsplit form enters the large intestine, where it becomes “food” for the bacteria living here. The result of the processing of lactose by bacteria is carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen and water. The gases formed in the lumen of the large intestine stretch its walls, causing bloating (flatulence) and pain in it, and water causes the development of diarrhea (loose stools).

Lactose intolerance is much less common in children than in adults. It is congenital and acquired. Alactasia, or the complete absence of the enzyme, is associated with a structural disorder of the lactase gene. In this case, the baby should receive lactose-free food from birth. Fortunately, this disease is quite rare. More often one can observe the functional immaturity of the enzyme system of infants, which causes insufficient milk tolerance; some time after birth, the amount of the enzyme increases and the breakdown of lactose improves.

Acute and chronic intestinal infections, immune, inflammatory, atrophic processes in the intestine can lead to secondary (acquired) intolerance to milk sugar.

Factors such as age, ethnicity increase the risk of developing this pathology (in the countries of North America, Africa, Southeast Asia, the percentage of those suffering from hypolactasia is higher), and premature birth.

How does lactose intolerance manifest itself?

Rumbling in the abdomen and its distension, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches – these symptoms of lactose intolerance occur in some people an hour after taking whole milk or dairy products (cheese, cottage cheese, kefir, ice cream).

The higher the degree of hypolactasia, the more intense the clinical manifestations. However, it should be remembered that such a reaction of the body may also be due to the use of stale products with an expired shelf life or their incompatibility. In both cases, if you have the symptoms mentioned above, you should consult a doctor.

Diagnosis of lactose intolerance

A biopsy of the small intestine mucosa is a direct way to measure the activity of the lactase enzyme it contains. Due to the trauma and complexity of this study, it is used during operations or other vital interventions.

Genetic tests can identify genes that block lactase production.

One common indirect test for lactose intolerance, among others, is the lactose load test. It is based on a comparison of blood glucose levels in an adult before the study and after ingestion of 50 grams of lactose dissolved in 0.5 liters of water. If lactose is broken down and the resulting glucose is absorbed into the blood, the meter will show an increase in blood glucose.