Lactase deficiency (See: Lactose intolerance)

What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance (or Lactase Deficiency) means you are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) found in milk and dairy products. It is usually caused by a deficiency of lactase—an enzyme produced in your small intestine.

While usually not dangerous, the symptoms can be uncomfortable. It is different from a milk allergy, which is an immune response.

Symptoms

Signs usually begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose. Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea.
• Nausea and sometimes vomiting.
• Abdominal cramps.
• Bloating.
• Gas.

Causes

Normally, the enzyme lactase breaks down milk sugar into simple sugars (glucose and galactose) so they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. If you lack this enzyme, lactose moves unprocessed into the colon, where bacteria interact with it to cause gas and bloating.

Types of Intolerance

• Primary (Age-Related): The most common type. Lactase production decreases naturally as you age and your diet becomes less reliant on milk.
• Secondary (Illness-Related): Occurs when the small intestine decreases lactase production after an illness, injury, or surgery (e.g., Celiac disease, Crohn's disease). Treating the underlying illness may restore levels.
• Congenital (Born with it): Rare. Babies are born with a complete absence of lactase activity. It is passed down genetically (autosomal recessive inheritance).

Complications

Avoiding dairy can lead to nutritional deficiencies if you don't plan your diet carefully. Risks include:

• Calcium Deficiency: Essential for strong bones.
• Osteopenia / Osteoporosis: Brittle bones due to low calcium intake over time.
• Malnutrition: In severe cases (especially children), avoiding dairy without substitutes can lead to weight loss and poor growth.

Diagnosis

Doctors may suspect intolerance based on your symptoms. Tests to confirm include:

• Lactose Tolerance Test: You drink a lactose-heavy liquid, and blood tests measure glucose levels. If glucose doesn't rise, your body isn't digesting it.
• Hydrogen Breath Test: You drink a lactose liquid, and the doctor measures hydrogen in your breath. Undigested lactose fermenting in the colon releases hydrogen.
• Stool Acidity Test: Used for infants. Fermenting lactose creates acid that can be detected in stool.

Treatment & Management

There is no cure to boost lactase production permanently, but symptoms are manageable:

1. Dietary Changes

• Limit Dairy: Drink small servings of milk (less than 4 oz) at a time.
• Choose Lactose-Reduced: Many supermarkets sell lactose-free milk and ice cream.
• Hard Cheeses & Yogurt: These often contain less lactose and are easier to digest than fresh milk.

2. Supplements

• Lactase Enzyme Tablets/Drops: Taken just before eating dairy to help digestion.
• Calcium & Vitamin D: Supplements to replace nutrients lost by avoiding dairy.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.