What You Should Know About Lactose Intolerance

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is the inability to break down a natural type of sugar called lactose which is commonly found in dairy products, such as milk and yogurt. You become lactose intolerant when your small intestine stops making enough of the enzyme called lactase which breaks down and digests the lactose.

There are 3 main types of Lactose intolerance. They are:

1. Primary Lactose Intolerance

This is the most common type of lactose intolerance and is caused due to ageing. While most people are born with enough lactase, the amount of lactase a person makes may decrease over time as they age.

2. Secondary Lactose Intolerance

This is caused due to illness or injury involving your small intestine which results in decreased lactase production. Diseases associated with secondary lactose intolerance include intestinal infection, celiac disease, bacterial overgrowth and Crohn's disease.

3. Congenital or Developmental Lactose Intolerance

This is a rare type where the baby is born with lactose intolerance caused by a lack of lactase. Premature infants can also have lactose intolerance because of an insufficient lactase level.

Some Facts About Lactose Intolerance

1. Some people are more likely to have it.

2. Lactose intolerance can be diagnosed.

3. You may still be able to eat dairy foods.

4. Calcium is still important.

Symptoms

Lactose intolerance symptoms usually occur after 30 minutes to a couple of hours post consumption of dairy products. These are:

● Diarrhoea

● Bloating

● Gas

● Stomach cramps

● Nausea (even vomiting in some instances)

How is Lactose Intolerance Diagnosed?

Apart from general examination by the healthcare provider, you may need any of the following tests:

● Lactose Intolerance Test

This is a type of blood test which measures the body’s reaction to a liquid containing high amount of lactose.

● Hydrogen Breath Test

In this test the total amount of hydrogen present in your breath is measured after consuming a drink with high lactose content. If lactose intolerant then hydrogen content in breath is higher.

● Stool Acidity Test

This test measures the amount of lactic acid and other fatty acids in your stool which are the substances produced from undigested lactose. The stool sample will then be sent to the lab for tests.

How is Lactose Intolerance Managed?

● Limit or avoid dairy products

● Eat and drink lactose-free or low-lactose foods

● Read labels on all foods carefully because lactose is found in many foods

● Ask your healthcare provider about enzyme supplements as you may be able to tolerate some dairy foods if you take a supplement

● Get enough calcium and vitamin D from other supplements

Risk Factors

Factors that can make you prone to lactose intolerance include:

● Increasing age

● Ethnicity

● Premature birth

● Diseases affecting the small intestine