Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder where the body is unable to fully digest lactose, a sugar primarily found in milk and dairy products.
This happens due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase in the body. Lactase is what breaks down lactose into simpler sugars, glucose and galactose, so it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
If someone who is lactose intolerant consumes lactose, it isn’t properly digested and moves into the colon instead of being processed and absorbed. There, bacteria ferment the lactose, which can cause symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea, typically between 30 minutes and two hours after consuming lactose-containing foods.
Lactose intolerance is not dangerous, but its symptoms can be uncomfortable. It’s also important to note, lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy where the immune system overreacts to proteins in milk.
Causes of Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive disorder where the body is unable to fully digest lactose, a type of sugar mainly found in milk and dairy products. Here are the primary causes of lactose intolerance:
1. Lactase Deficiency: The leading cause of lactose intolerance is a deficiency in an enzyme called lactase, which is produced in your small intestine. Lactase breaks down lactose into two smaller sugars, glucose and galactose, which can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream. If your body doesn’t produce enough lactase, it can’t digest all the lactose you eat or drink.
2. Genetics: Lactase production generally declines after childhood, which could lead to the development of lactose intolerance. This is more common in people of certain races/ethnicities that did not traditionally consume dairy. For example, people of East Asian, West African, Arab, Jewish, Greek, and Italian descent are more likely to develop lactose intolerance.
3. Aging: As age increases, the body naturally starts producing less lactase. As a result, lactose intolerance becomes more common as people grow older.
4. Intestinal Problems: Certain digestive problems like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, gastroenteritis, or an infection can cause your small intestine to produce less lactase, leading to temporary lactose intolerance. It usually improves once your intestine heals.
5. Certain Treatments: Treatments for cancer like radiation therapy for the abdomen or intestine can increase the risk of lactose intolerance.
It’s also worth noting that some premature babies, though not common, might have lactose intolerance because their small intestine doesn’t produce lactase yet.
Risk Factors of Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive disorder where the body is unable to fully digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Here are the various risk factors associated with lactose intolerance:
1. Age: Lactose intolerance often appears in adulthood. It is less common in children and infants.
2. Ethnicity: Lactose intolerance is most common in people of African, Asian, Hispanic and American Indian descent.
3. Premature Birth: Infants born prematurely may have reduced levels of lactase because this enzyme increases in the fetus late in the third trimester.
4. Diseases affecting the small intestine: Small intestine problems that can cause lactose intolerance include bacterial overgrowth, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and gastroenteritis.
5. Certain Cancer Treatments: If you have received radiation therapy for cancer in your abdomen, or have intestinal complications from chemotherapy, you have an increased risk of lactose intolerance.
6. Genetics: Lactose intolerance also tends to run in families, so if you have immediate relatives who are lactose intolerant, your risk increases.
Remember, even though these factors can increase the likelihood of developing lactose intolerance, they do not guarantee that an individual will become lactose intolerant. It’s a complex condition that depends on a variety of genetic and environmental factors.
Signs and Symptoms of Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder caused by the inability to digest lactose, the main carbohydrate in dairy products. Here are some signs and symptoms that people with lactose intolerance often experience:
1. Bloating: This is one of the most common symptoms. It happens when the body has difficulty breaking down lactose, which can lead to the production of gas in the gut.
2. Diarrhea: This can happen as a result of large amounts of undigested lactose moving through the intestines, which can alter the balance of your gut bacteria and lead to increased water being drawn into the gut.
3. Abdominal Cramps and Pain: The gas produced from the breakdown of undigested lactose can also cause discomfort and muscular contractions in your gut, leading to abdominal cramps and pain.
4. Nausea: This is another common symptom, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
5. Flatulence: Increased gas production in the gut can lead to increased flatulence.
6. Rumbling Stomach: This is a less specific symptom, but the gas produced in your gut may lead to increased rumbling or gurgling noises.
7. Fatigue: Although not as common, some people with lactose intolerance may also experience fatigue.
It’s important to note that the severity and type of symptoms can vary between individuals; some people may not experience symptoms until a certain amount of lactose is consumed while others may react to small amounts. Symptoms usually occur within a few hours of consuming lactose. Anyone who suspects they may be lactose intolerant should consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
Diagnosis Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder caused by the inability to digest lactose, the main carbohydrate in dairy products. This condition is due to a deficiency of lactase, an enzyme produced in the small intestine.
Lactase breaks down lactose into two simpler forms of sugar: glucose and galactose for absorption into the bloodstream. When there is not enough lactase to digest the lactose in the foods eaten, it can lead to symptoms of lactose intolerance which may include bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
It is important to note that lactose intolerance is not life-threatening but can be uncomfortable. Diagnosis is usually by a lactose intolerance test, which measures the body’s response to a liquid that contains high levels of lactose.
There are several different types of lactose intolerance, including primary, secondary, developmental, and congenital lactose intolerance. The most common type is primary lactose intolerance, which develops as people age and their body begins to produce less lactase. In contrast, congenital lactose intolerance, which is very rare, is when babies are born with zero ability to produce lactase.
Managing lactose intolerance involves avoiding foods and drinks that contain high levels of lactose or using lactase products to help digest lactose.
Treatment of Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive disorder where the body is unable to fully digest lactose – a sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
While there isn’t a complete cure, lactose intolerance can be managed effectively with dietary changes, minimizing symptoms or in some cases, eliminating them.
1. Avoidance or Limitation of Dairy Products: Reducing consumption of lactose from dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt can alleviate symptoms. However, total avoidance may not be necessary as some individuals can tolerate a small amount of lactose.
2. Lactose-Free and Lactose-Reduced Milk and Milk Products: These are dairy products which have less or no lactose at all which can be a good replacement for regular dairy products.
3. Lactase Products: Over-the-counter tablets or drops containing the lactase enzyme (Lactaid, Dairy Ease) can be taken before meals or snacks. They help in digesting lactose.
4. Probiotics and Prebiotics: These beneficial bacteria in the gut can help with the digestion process. They may change the composition of gut flora and reduce symptom frequency and severity.
5. Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements: Since dairy products are a major source of calcium and Vitamin D, those avoiding it may need to find other sources. Supplements may be needed to fulfil the nutritional requirement.
Remember, each person with lactose intolerance is different, what works for one person may not work for another. It takes time to understand the level of lactose the body can tolerate. Therefore, it’s advisable to talk with your healthcare provider or a dietitian about redesigning your diet to meet your nutritional needs. Also, a doctor can perform a test to confirm whether you’re lactose intolerant or not if you’re experiencing symptoms.
Medications commonly used for Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance typically doesn’t require medication, as symptoms can mostly be managed with dietary changes. However, there are a few common products that can help manage symptoms:
1. Lactase Supplements: The most common help for those with lactose intolerance comes in the form of lactase supplements, such as Lactaid or Dairy Ease. These supplements provide the body with the enzymes it lacks to properly digest lactose. They can be taken prior to a meal that contains lactose.
2. Probiotics and Prebiotics: These are beneficial bacteria and yeasts for your digestive tract that can aid in the digestion of lactose. They can be found in various dietary supplements and foods.
3. Lactose-reduced or Lactose-free products: Although not a medication, these products have been treated with the enzyme lactase to break down lactose, making them suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
4. Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements: Those with lactose intolerance may not get enough of these critical nutrients – since they might not consume enough dairy products, which are typically high in calcium and vitamin D. Therefore, a doctor may recommend supplements.
However, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or supplement. They can recommend suitable options based on individual health needs and circumstances.
Prevention of Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance cannot be prevented outright because it is typically a genetic condition, where the body’s ability to produce lactase, an enzyme needed to digest lactose, decreases as people age. However, you can manage and control its symptoms and effects, primarily through dietary changes:
1. Dairy Products: Limit milk and other dairy products and replace them with lactose-free alternatives.
2. Lactase Supplements: Using over-the-counter lactase tablets or drops can help digest lactose, especially when taken with meals.
3. Gradual Lactose Introduction: Slowly introducing small amounts of milk or milk products may help some people adjust to them.
4. Balanced Dietary Plan: Consultation with a dietitian can help in forming a balanced diet, which while being low on lactose, covers all your nutritional needs.
5. Probiotics & Prebiotics: Foods that contain probiotics and prebiotics, like Kombucha, sauerkraut, and kimchi, can also help in managing lactose intolerance.
Although these techniques can help manage lactose intolerance, it is essential to consult with a health care professional or dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet or starting any supplements.
FAQ’s about Lactose intolerance
1. What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder where the body is unable to fully digest lactose, the main sugar in milk and dairy products. This often results in diarrhea, gas, and bloating after consuming dairy products.
2. What causes lactose intolerance?
This condition is caused by a deficiency of lactase, an enzyme in the small intestine that’s needed to break down lactose into simpler sugars called glucose and galactose, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream.
3. What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
Symptoms usually occur within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming dairy products and can include nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
4. How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?
It can be diagnosed through a lactose tolerance test, a hydrogen breath test, or a stool acidity test. These tests measure your body’s reaction to a liquid that contains high levels of lactose.
5. How is lactose intolerance treated?
While no cure exists, it can be managed with diet changes. This often includes reducing or eliminating foods and drinks that contain lactose. In some cases, lactase supplements may help.
6. Is lactose intolerance the same as a dairy allergy?
No, they are not the same. Lactose intolerance affects the digestive system and happens when your body cannot digest lactose. A dairy allergy is an immune response to proteins in milk and can cause hives, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea, and even anaphylaxis.
7. Can lactose intolerance be prevented?
Lactose intolerance usually isn’t preventable. Most people who have it, have less lactase enzyme after their early childhood years. In rare cases, the condition is caused by an injury or surgery that affects the small intestine.
8. Can lactose intolerance be cured?
There is currently no cure for lactose intolerance but it can be managed effectively by controlling diet and in some cases, taking supplements.
9. Are there long-term effects of lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance doesn’t cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract. While it can cause discomfort, it doesn’t pose a threat for long-term health problems.
10. Can you suddenly develop lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance can develop at any age. In fact, it’s common for symptoms to appear in adulthood. It’s less common, but possible, for children to develop lactose intolerance.
11. Is lactose intolerance hereditary?
Certain populations are more likely to develop lactose intolerance due to a genetic predisposition. It is extremely common in people of East Asian descent, and also quite common in people of West African, Arab, Jewish, Greek, and Italian descent.
Useful links
Lactose intolerance is a condition in which your body can’t digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. The reduced ability to digest lactose results from a deficiency of the enzyme lactase in your body. This deficiency can cause symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Here are some useful journals and articles about lactose intolerance:
Please ensure to check the access availability of these journals or articles since some may require purchase or subscription.
Complications of Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive disorder where the body is unable to fully digest lactose, a sugar present in milk and dairy products. Here are some of the complications associated with lactose intolerance:
1. Nutritional Deficiencies: People with lactose intolerance may avoid dairy products due to the discomfort they cause, which can lead to deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are crucial for bone health. Insufficient calcium can lead to osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them fragile.
2. Malnutrition: If not properly managed, lactose intolerance can lead to malnutrition. When someone repeatedly experiences digestive distress after eating, they might start to avoid food and consequently not consume enough nutrients.
3. Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalances: Frequent diarrhea caused by undigested lactose can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, especially in children and elderly people.
4. Mental Health Issues: People with lactose intolerance may experience stress, frustration, and embarrassment due to their symptoms, which can potentially affect their mental health.
5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): There’s evidence suggesting that some people with lactose intolerance are more likely to suffer from IBS, a chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits.
Remember that complications can be largely avoided when lactose intolerance is managed effectively through dietary changes or therapies recommended by healthcare professionals.
Home remedies of Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive disorder where the body is unable to fully digest lactose, a type of sugar present in milk. This inability can lead to symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. While there’s no cure for lactose intolerance, there are some home remedies that can help manage the symptoms:
1. Dietary Changes: The most effective way to manage lactose intolerance is by modifying your diet. Avoid food and drinks that contain lactose such as milk, cheese, and other dairy products. There’s a variety of lactose-free and lactose-reduced milk and milk products available in the market.
2. Lactase Supplements: Lactase is the enzyme that helps to break down lactose. You can take this in supplement form to aid your body in digesting lactose.
3. Probiotics and Prebiotics: These can help the body to digest lactose. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast beneficial for your digestive system and prebiotics are types of dietary fiber that feed the friendly bacteria in your gut. They can be found in certain foods or taken as supplements.
4. Smaller Portions: Consuming dairy products in smaller portions throughout the day, rather than in one large serving, may also help to reduce symptoms.
5. Hard Cheese and Yogurt: Hard cheeses have less lactose and may be better tolerated. Additionally, yogurt cultures can help to break down lactose.
6. Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements: Since dairy is a crucial source of calcium and Vitamin D, it’s important that lactose-intolerant individuals get these nutrients elsewhere. You might need supplements if you can’t get enough from your diet.
Remember, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you believe you are lactose intolerant. They can provide you with guidance and assist you in managing this condition effectively.