Some information about lactose intolerance

When someone is said to be lactose intolerant this is because the digestive system of this individual is not able to break down completely the sugar called LACTOSE found in milk . This inability results from a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells that line the small intestine. Hence, the term Lactase Deficiency.

In a normal digestive system all the food we eat is broken down into smaller and simpler ‘bits and pieces' in an easy way to say it. This helps the body to absorb the food and take out the proteins and what ever is needed to maintain itself. Lactase breaks down milk sugar (lactose) into the simpler form of sugar called glucose and galactose that can then be absorbed into the bloodstream.

When lactase is missing or there is not enough of it to digest the lactose consumed, the results may be very distressing (see symptoms) for the person. While not all persons deficient in lactase have the same symptoms if at all, those who do are considered to be lactose intolerant.

What is lactose anyway?

Lactose is simply a sugar found in milk.

Any sort of milk produced by the human being or animals contains lactose. The sugar we mix with our coffees or teas comes generally from the sugarcane and this sugar is called sucrose. On the other hand sugar we find in fruits is called fructose and sugar that is used in the brewing of barley, wheat and oats is called maltose (not Maltese). Our body needs sugar as it is the source of fuel we need to for example move our muscles or to simply be able to read this message. However, the only sugar our body is able to burn is called glucose, therefore all other sugars that enter our system have to be converted into glucose. This can only be done by the help of enzymes produced by our body that are able to biochemically convert what ever sugar into glucose.

What causes lactose intolerance?

So now we know that lactose intolerance is caused by the inability of the digestive system to break down lactose into glucose. We also know that the protein (enzyme) responsible to break down lactose into glucose is called lactase. Therefore, the lack of lactase causes lactose intolerance. However, different persons may have different amounts of lactase produced. For instance Peter may be producing just enough lactase to cope with a glass of milk in the morning before suffering any effects while Jane is not even able to have a lick of ice-cream because it distresses her. Some of the causes of lactose intolerance are known. The production of the enzyme lactase can be hindered by certain digestive diseases and injuries to the small intestine. In some cases, children are born without the ability to produce lactase. However, in most cases lactase deficiency develops naturally over time when after about the age of 2 years, the body begins to produce less lactase. Interestingly, most people do not experience symptoms until they reach an older age.

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

The symptoms listed below are caused by the fermentation of lactose. Since lactose is not broken into glucose, and hence left unabsorbed by the body, the perfect conditions found in the intestines help the lactose to ferment and this leads to the formation of gases. A particular gas is methane that is usually the cause for the pain and aggressive flatulence.

Common symptoms include:

nausea