Affecting 68 percent of people around the world
There are several different types of Lactose Intolerance, each caused by reduced or absent lactase enzyme activity, but with different underlying reasons and affected populations.
Types of Lactose Intolerance – Quick Overview
There are four main types of lactose intolerance, all linked to reduced lactase enzyme levels.
The four types are:
- Primary lactose intolerance – the most common type, caused by a natural decline in lactase with age.
- Secondary lactose intolerance – caused by illness or damage to the small intestine.
- Developmental lactose intolerance – occurs in premature infants due to an underdeveloped digestive system.
- Congenital lactose intolerance – a rare genetic condition present from birth.
Each type has different causes, but all result in difficulty digesting lactose.
What are the different types of lactose intolerance?
There are four main types of lactose intolerance: primary, secondary, developmental and congenital. Each type is caused by reduced lactase enzyme activity, but differs in its cause, severity and the people it affects.
Â
What is Primary lactose intolerance?
Primary lactose intolerance is the most common type and occurs when lactase production naturally decreases with age.
Primary lactose intolerance, also known as lactase malabsorption, affects a large proportion of the global population.
Â
Who is more likely to develop primary lactose intolerance?
Although primary lactose intolerance can affect people of all ages, it is more common amongst certain sectors of the population, such as:
-
- Seniors or older adults, as lactase production naturally declines with age.
- People from ethnic groups where dairy has not traditionally been part of the diet.
- Populations with higher prevalence, including Asian, Indian, Mediterranean and Indigenous communities.
- Â
What is Developmental lactose intolerance?
(or transient lactose intolerance)
Developmental lactose intolerance occurs in premature infants whose digestive systems have not fully developed, resulting in temporarily low lactase levels.
Lactase production develops late in pregnancy, typically around 34 weeks gestation, and continues after birth.
This condition is usually temporary and improves as the digestive system matures.
Developmental lactose intolerance has been shown to be an important cause of colic. Studies show approximately 40% of babies diagnosed with colic actually suffer from developmental lactose Intolerance.
Pre-treating babies’ feeds with lactase enzyme supplements has been clinically proven to reduce crying time by at least 45% – from the first feed.
What causes Secondary lactose intolerance?
Secondary lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine is damaged by illness, infection or medical treatment, reducing the body’s ability to produce lactase.
Common causes of secondary lactose intolerance are:
-
- Gastroenteritis
-
- Persistent diarrhoea
-
- Intestinal parasites
-
- Giardiasis
-
- Chemotherapy
-
- Crohn’s disease
-
- Inflammatory bowel disease
-
- Coeliac disease
Can secondary lactose intolerance be reversed?
In many cases, treating the underlying condition allows the small intestine to heal and lactase production to recover.
Â
What is Congenital lactose intolerance?
(or Galactosemia)
Congenital lactose intolerance is a rare genetic condition where babies are born with little or no lactase enzyme activity.
Babies with this condition cannot digest lactose from birth and may show signs of severe malabsorption and dehydration.
Immediate medical attention and specialised dietary management are required.
Â
Which type of lactose intolerance is most common?
Primary lactose intolerance is the most common type worldwide and in Australia. It develops naturally over time as lactase production decreases with age.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Lactose Intolerance
Can you develop lactose intolerance later in life?
Yes. Many people develop lactose intolerance as they age due to a natural decline in lactase enzyme production. This is known as primary lactose intolerance and is the most common form.
What is the main cause of lactose intolerance?
The main cause of lactose intolerance is a deficiency in lactase enzymes. This can occur naturally with age, as a result of illness or injury, or rarely due to genetic conditions present from birth.
Is secondary lactose intolerance permanent?
Not always. Secondary lactose intolerance is often temporary and may improve once the underlying condition affecting the small intestine is treated and the gut heals.
What is the difference between primary and secondary lactose intolerance?
Primary lactose intolerance is caused by a natural decline in lactase production over time, while secondary lactose intolerance is caused by damage to the small intestine due to illness, infection or medical treatment.
Can babies have lactose intolerance?
Yes, but it depends on the type. Developmental lactose intolerance can occur in premature babies, while congenital lactose intolerance is a rare genetic condition present from birth.
What type of lactose intolerance is genetic?
Congenital lactose intolerance is a genetic condition where babies are born without the ability to produce lactase. Primary lactose intolerance also has a genetic component that influences how lactase levels decline over time.
What is the best supplement for lactose intolerance?
Lactase enzyme supplements, such as Lacteeze, help break down lactose and can be used to manage symptoms across most types of lactose intolerance when consuming dairy.
