Lactose Intolerance

what is the cause of lactose intolerance?

• lactase enzyme deficiency, leading to the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products.

  • lactase activity commonly declines with age

  • Lactase deficiency may develop when the intestinal villi are damaged by disease, certain medicines, prolonged diarrhea, or malnutrition.

  • depending on extent of the intestinal damage, lactose malabsorption may be temporary or permanent

• In extremely rare cases, an infant is born with a lactase deficiency, making feeding a challenge.

Know which carbohydrate is affected and why symptoms may occur.

• the carbohydrate affected that causes lactose intolerance is the disaccharide Lactose

• symptoms that may occur

  • lactose molecules remain in the intestine undigested, attracting water and causing

  • bloating, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea

  • undigested lactose becomes food for intestinal bacteria,

    • which multiply and produce irritating acid and gas, further contributing to the discomfort and diarrhea.

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