Lactose intolerance, what is it?
Lactose intolerance is characterized by digestive disorders resulting from intestinal malabsorption of lactose. Lactose is the main sugar found in dairy products).
Definition of lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is characterized by digestive problems as a result of indigestion of lactose (the main milk sugar) from milk and its by-products (yogurt, cheese, etc.).
A body enzyme (lactase) is used to transform the lactose in dairy products to make it absorbable and digestible.
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A lactase deficiency leads to a reduction in the body's ability to digest lactose.
Lactose ferments and causes the production of fatty acids and gas. Therefore, the intestinal transit is accelerated and digestive symptoms appear (diarrhea, gas, pain, swelling, etc.).
The prevalence (number of people with lactose intolerance) in several countries is between 30% and 50% of adults.
A test is known and available to identify and evaluate the level of intolerance, which allows the diet to be adapted accordingly.
Causes of intolerance
This intolerance depend on the age of the individual.
Intolerance in infants results in widespread lactase deficiency. This is a rare condition called congenital lactase deficiency.
In children, this intolerance may be the result and/or a side effect of gastroenteritis, for example.
It is important to know that the actions of lactase decrease over time. As a result, lactose intolerance is increasingly present with advancing age.
Adults are therefore a category of people more likely to develop lactose intolerance.
Intestinal pathologies can also be the source of the development of lactose intolerance (giardiasis, Crohn's disease, etc.).
Who is affected by intolerance?
Most cases of intolerance occur in adults. However, children can also experience it.
In infants, intolerance is often the result of an underlying disease: congenital lactase deficiency.
Evolution and possible complications of intolerance
There are few advances and complications related to lactose intolerance.
In addition, this intolerance must be differentiated from protein allergies, which can cause complications.
Symptoms of intolerance
The clinical signs and symptoms associated with lactose intolerance are the result of a definitive definition of lactase enzyme activity. This results in intestinal and digestive symptoms such as..:
- intestinal pain...
- of diarrhea
- dizzy
- swelling
- gas
These symptoms can be more or less important depending on the individual, the amount of lactose ingested and the level of intolerance.
Risk factors for intolerance
Risk factors may be the presence of underlying gastrointestinal disease in children or adults. Or congenital lactase deficiency in children.
How is lactose intolerance treated?
The first step in treating a diet low in dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.).
A lactose intolerance test is available to assess the level of intolerance. Based on this evaluation, the diet is adapted accordingly.
If changes in eating habits are not sufficient to optimally control the intolerance, treatment in the form of capsules or lactase tablets is possible.
- Definition of lactose intolerance
- Causes of intolerance
- Who is affected by intolerance?
- Evolution and possible complications of intolerance
- Symptoms of intolerance
- Risk factors for intolerance
- How is lactose intolerance treated?
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