The lactase enzyme is needed to break lactose down into glucose and galactose, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream and used for energy. Without sufficient lactase, lactose moves through your gut undigested and causes digestive symptoms 2 , 3 , 4.
Lactose is also found in breast milk, and almost everyone is born with the ability to digest it. It is very rare to see lactose intolerance in children under the age of five.
The risk varies greatly between countries, as shown on this map:. Photo Source. Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the main carbohydrate in dairy. It is caused by reduced production of the enzyme lactase in your gut. Primary lactose intolerance is the most common. It is caused by a decrease in lactase production with age, so that lactose becomes poorly absorbed 5. Secondary lactose intolerance is rare. It is caused by illness, such as a stomach bug or a more serious issue like celiac disease.
This is because inflammation in the gut wall can lead to a temporary decline in lactase production 6. Primary lactose intolerance is common and involves reduced lactase production with age. Secondary lactose intolerance is caused by inflammation in the gut, secondary to an infection or disease.
The most common symptoms are 3 , 7 , 8 :. Some people also experience urgency to go to the toilet, nausea, vomiting, pain in the lower belly and occasionally constipation.
Diarrhea occurs due to undigested lactose in your small intestine, which causes water to move into your digestive tract. Once it reaches your colon, the lactose is fermented by the bacteria in your gut, forming short-chain fatty acids and gas. This causes the bloating, flatulence and pain.
The severity of symptoms can vary, depending on how much lactose you can tolerate and how much you have eaten 9. Lactose intolerance can cause digestive problems.
The main symptoms are bloating, gas, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Dairy is the term used to describe milk or products made from milk. Dairy products are highly nutritious and important sources of protein , calcium and vitamins like A, B12 and D This nutrient combination is great for your bones Including dairy in your diet is linked to higher bone mineral density, which may help reduce the risk of bone fractures as you get older 12 , 13 , Dairy products have also been linked with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity 15 , 16 , 17 , However, people with lactose intolerance may need to cut back or remove dairy products from their diets, potentially missing out on some nutrients 19 , 20 , 21 , 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.
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.
As well as milk and dairy products, there are other foods and drinks that can sometimes contain lactose. 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.
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. There are a number of alternative foods and drinks available in supermarkets to replace the milk and dairy products you need to avoid. 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.
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:.
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:. 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.
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. 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.
Milk and other dairy products are an important part of a healthy diet. They contain calcium, protein and vitamins such as vitamins A, B12 and D.
Lactose is also important because it helps your body absorb a number of other minerals, including magnesium and zinc. If you are lactose intolerant, getting the right amount of important vitamins and minerals can prove difficult.
This may lead to unhealthy weight loss and put you at increased risk of developing the following conditions. If you are concerned that dietary restrictions are putting you at risk of complications, you may find it helpful to consult a dietitian. Home Illnesses and conditions Nutritional Lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. About lactose intolerance 2. Causes of lactose intolerance 3. Diagnosing lactose intolerance 4. Treating lactose intolerance 5. Complications of lactose intolerance. About lactose intolerance Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem where the body is unable to digest lactose, a type of sugar mainly found in milk and dairy products.
They may include: flatulence wind diarrhoea bloated stomach stomach cramps and pains stomach rumbling feeling sick The severity of your symptoms and when they appear depends on the amount of lactose you've consumed. When to seek medical advice The symptoms of lactose intolerance can be similar to several other conditions, so it's important to see your GP for a diagnosis before removing milk and dairy products from your diet.
For example, the symptoms above can also be caused by: irritable bowel syndrome IBS — a long-term disorder that affects the digestive system milk protein intolerance — an adverse reaction to the protein in milk from cows not the same as a milk allergy If your GP thinks you have lactose intolerance, they may suggest avoiding foods and drinks containing lactose for two weeks to see if your symptoms improve. Read more about diagnosing lactose intolerance What causes lactose intolerance?
Symptoms may start during the teen or adult years. In some cases, the small intestine stops making lactase after an injury or after a disease or infection. Some babies born too early premature babies may not be able to make enough lactase.
This is often a short-term problem that goes away. In very rare cases, people are born with an inability to make any lactase at all. What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance? Symptoms may include: Belly abdominal cramps and pain Nausea Bloating Gas Diarrhea How severe your symptoms are will depend on how much lactose you have ingested and how much lactase your body makes. How is lactose intolerance diagnosed? Some tests can help your doctor check for lactose intolerance.
These may include: Lactose tolerance test. This test checks how your digestive system absorbs lactose. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for about 8 hours before the test. This often means not eating after midnight.
For the test, you will drink a liquid that contains lactose. Some blood samples will be taken over a 2-hour period. These will check your blood sugar blood glucose level. Hydrogen breath test.
You will drink a liquid containing a lot of lactose. Your breath will be checked several times. High levels of hydrogen in your breath may mean you are lactose intolerant. Stool acidity test. Cooking without dairy ingredients can be tricky. Here are 21 dairy-free desserts to choose from, featuring…. Vegan cheeses are made from various plant-based ingredients and come in many styles and flavors.
This article explores some of the best dairy-free…. IBS is a disorder of bowel function whereas lactose intolerance is related to an enzyme needed to digest dairy. A lactose tolerance test measures how well your body can process lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products, using the enzyme lactase. Do the symptoms of lactose intolerance have a typical expiration date? Yes and no. Here's what you can expect to happen with your bloating, pain, and….
You can develop lactose intolerance at any age. It could be age related or triggered by a condition — such as Crohn's disease — if it restricts…. Lactose intolerance is common and can cause a wide range of symptoms. Here are 5 signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M. Types of lactose intolerance. What to look for.
How is lactose intolerance diagnosed? How is lactose intolerance treated? Adjusting to a lactose-free diet and lifestyle.
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