Overview of Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a common digestive condition where the body fails to digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. This happens due to a deficiency or absence of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose in the small intestine. The condition leads to various gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming dairy and can affect both children and adults.

Types of Lactose Intolerance

1. Primary lactose intolerance: Most common type; develops gradually with age as lactase production decreases.

2. Secondary lactose intolerance: Occurs due to injury or illness affecting the small intestine, such as celiac disease or gastroenteritis.

3. Congenital lactose intolerance: Rare genetic form present from birth due to total absence of lactase enzyme.

4. Developmental lactose intolerance: Seen in premature infants, usually temporary.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Bloating, gas or cramps after consuming milk or cheese.

Diarrhea or loose stools shortly after eating dairy.

Nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.

Gurgling stomach and excessive flatulence.

Abdominal pain and discomfort.

Symptoms appear 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming lactose-containing foods.

Causes of Lactose Intolerance

Lack of lactase enzyme: Reduced or absent enzyme activity in the small intestine.

Genetic factors: Inherited trait, more common in people of Asian, African and Native American descent.

Intestinal damage: Diseases or infections that affect the small intestine lining.

Surgery: Intestinal surgeries can reduce lactase production.

Complications in Lactose Intolerance

Nutritional deficiencies due to avoiding dairy (calcium, vitamin D, protein).

Bone health problems like osteoporosis.

Chronic digestive discomfort if unmanaged.

Social discomfort or dietary limitations impacting quality of life.

Risk Factors of Lactose Intolerance

Aging increases risk as lactase production naturally decreases.

Ethnicity: Higher risk in people of African, Asian, Hispanic or Native American descent.

Premature birth can lead to temporary lactose intolerance.

Gastrointestinal diseases increase risk for example Crohn’s disease.

Preventions of Lactose Intolerance

While you can’t prevent the genetic type, you can manage it effectively:

Use lactase supplements with dairy meals.

Choose lactose-free or low-lactose dairy alternatives.

Gradually reintroduce small amounts of dairy to test tolerance.

Opt for yogurt or hard cheese with lower lactose content.