68 percent of the worlds population has lactose malabsorption
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive condition caused by the body’s inability to properly break down lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy.
What is Lactose Intolerance – Quick Explanation
Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition caused by a deficiency of lactase enzymes.
Key points:
- Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products.
- Lactase is the enzyme needed to break lactose down.
- A lack of lactase leads to undigested lactose in the gut.
- This causes symptoms such as excess bloating, gas, digestive discomfort and diarrhoea.
- Symptoms usually appear between 20 minutes and 2 hours after consuming dairy.
Lactose intolerance is not life-threatening, but it can cause significant digestive discomfort.
What is lactose intolerance and how does it affect the body?
Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition where the body cannot properly break down lactose due to low levels of lactase enzymes. This leads to undigested lactose in the colon, where it is fermented by bacteria and causes symptoms such as bloating, gas abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea.
Lactose intolerance is the most common food intolerance in Australia. So, what exactly is the meaning of lactose intolerance? It is caused by lactose malabsorption, which occurs when the body does not have enough lactase digestive enzymes to fully break down the lactose in dairy during digestion, a condition also known as lactase deficiency.
What does lactose intolerance mean?
Lactose intolerance refers to the symptoms that occur when lactose is not properly digested due to lactase deficiency. It is sometimes also referred to as lactose malabsorption or hypolactasia.
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What is lactose and why is it difficult to digest?
Lactose is a complex sugar (disaccharide) found in dairy products. It must be broken down by lactase into glucose and galactose before it can be absorbed by the body.
The level of lactase enzymes manufactured in the body varies between individuals. A deficiency leads to the symptoms of lactose intolerance as the lactose moves undigested into the colon instead of being processed and absorbed.
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What happens when lactose is not digested properly?
When lactase levels are low, lactose passes undigested into the colon. There, it is fermented by bacteria, producing gas and acids that lead to common symptoms.
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Why do some people develop lactase deficiency?
Lactase production varies between individuals and often decreases with age. When levels are too low, symptoms of lactose intolerance begin to appear.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
The most common symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, stomach discomfort and diarrhoea after consuming dairy.
Common signs of lactose intolerance
- Bloating
- Excess gas or flatulence
- Abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhoea
How severe can symptoms be?
Symptoms vary depending on how much lactase your body produces and how much lactose you consume. Some people react to small amounts, while others can tolerate moderate dairy intake.
What this means is that people with very low levels of lactase enzymes may react to trace amounts of lactose such as the coating on a pill, while others may be able to tolerate reasonable amounts of dairy before showing symptoms.
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When do symptoms occur?
Symptoms usually develop between 20 minutes and 2 hours after consuming lactose, although they can sometimes be delayed.
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Can people tolerate small amounts of lactose?
Most people are not completely deficient in lactase and can tolerate small amounts of dairy. Symptoms typically occur when intake exceeds an individual’s tolerance level.
How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?
Lactose intolerance can be diagnosed by observing symptoms, eliminating lactose from the diet, or using medical tests such as hydrogen breath tests, blood tests or stool tests.
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Recognising symptoms through diet
For many people, the connection between dairy consumption and symptoms is clear. Tracking symptoms alongside food intake can help identify lactose intolerance.
If you suspect you may have a milk allergy we strongly recommend that you avoid dairy altogether until you have seen a medical practitioner.
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Using Lacteeze as a practical indicator
There is a simple test to help determine whether you are lactose intolerant – compare your symptoms with and without Lacteeze. If symptoms improve after taking Lacteeze, which provides lactase enzymes, this may indicate lactose intolerance.
If you are still unsure of the cause of your symptoms, then keeping a food diary listing what you eat and any symptoms may help. Alternatively, your doctor can organise one of the following tests for you:
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Hydrogen Breath Test
Measures hydrogen levels in breath after consuming any liquid high in lactose. This is the most accurate and commonly used test. This test is not usually performed on babies and infants as it can cause severe diarrhoea.
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Blood Tests
Measures blood sugar levels after consuming lactose to assess digestion, and involves several blood tests.
Again, this test is not usually performed on babies and infants as it can cause severe diarrhoea.
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Stool Acidity Test
Used primarily for infants and young children to detect undigested lactose. It is diagnosed by measuring the amount of acid in a stool sample.
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When should you see a doctor?
If symptoms are unclear or severe, a doctor can help rule out other conditions such as dairy allergy or digestive disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lactose Intolerance
What is lactase deficiency disorder?
Lactase deficiency disorder occurs when the body does not produce enough lactase enzyme to properly digest lactose. This leads to lactose malabsorption, which can cause digestive symptoms after consuming dairy products.
Is lactase deficiency the same as lactose intolerance?
Not exactly. Lactase deficiency refers to the underlying cause, while lactose intolerance describes the symptoms that occur when lactose is not properly digested.
How can I tell if I have lactase deficiency?
You may have lactase deficiency if you consistently experience digestive symptoms after consuming dairy. Confirmation usually involves dietary testing, symptom tracking or medical tests such as a hydrogen breath test.
Does lactose intolerance get worse over time?
Lactose intolerance does not usually worsen in a harmful way, but symptoms may become more noticeable if lactase production continues to decrease.
Is lactose intolerance common in Australia?
Yes. Lactose intolerance is one of the most common food intolerances, affecting a significant portion of the population.
What is the difference between lactose malabsorption and lactose intolerance?
Lactose malabsorption refers to the inability to digest lactose, while lactose intolerance refers to the symptoms that result from this condition.
