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Lactose intolerance

Lactase deficiency; Milk intolerance; Disaccharidase deficiency; Dairy product intolerance; Diarrhea - lactose intolerance; Bloating - lactose intolerance

 

Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products. An enzyme called lactase is needed by the body to digest lactose.

Lactose intolerance develops when the small intestine does not make enough of this enzyme.

Causes

 

Babies' bodies make the lactase enzyme so they can digest milk, including breast milk.

  • Babies born too early (premature) sometimes have lactose intolerance.
  • Children who were born at full term often do not show signs of the problem before they are 3 years old.

Lactose intolerance is very common in adults. It is rarely dangerous. About 30 million American adults have some degree of lactose intolerance by age 20.

  • In white people, lactose intolerance often develops in children older than age 5. This is the age when our bodies may stop making lactase.
  • In African Americans, the problem can occur as early as age 2.
  • The condition is very common among adults with Asian, African, or Native American heritage.
  • It is less common in people of northern or western European background, but still may occur.

An illness that involves or injures your small intestine may cause less of the lactase enzyme to be made. Treatment of these illnesses may improve the symptoms of lactose intolerance. These may include:

  • Surgery of the small intestine
  • Infections in the small intestine (this is most often seen in children)
  • Diseases that damage the small intestines, such as celiac sprue or Crohn disease

Babies may be born with a genetic defect and are not able to make any of the lactase enzyme.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms often occur 30 minutes to 2 hours after having milk products. Symptoms may be worse when you consume large amounts.

Symptoms include:

  • Abdominal bloating
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas ( flatulence )
  • Nausea

 

Exams and Tests

 

Other intestinal problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome , may cause the same symptoms as lactose intolerance.

Tests to help diagnose lactose intolerance include:

  • Lactose-hydrogen breath test
  • Lactose tolerance test
  • Stool pH

 

Treatment

 

Cutting down your intake of milk products that contain lactose from your diet most often eases symptoms. Also look at food labels for hidden sources of lactose in nonmilk products (including some beers) and avoid these.

Most people with low lactase level can drink up to one half cup of milk at one time (2 to 4 ounces or 60 to 120 milliliters) without having symptoms. Larger servings (more than 8 ounces or 240 mL) may cause problems for people with the deficiency.

Milk products that may be easier to digest include:

  • Buttermilk and cheeses (these foods contain less lactose than milk)
  • Fermented milk products, such as yogurt
  • Goat's milk
  • Ice cream, milkshakes, and aged or hard cheeses
  • Lactose-free milk and milk products
  • Lactase-treated cow's milk for older children and adults
  • Soy formulas for infants younger than 2 years
  • Soy or rice milk for toddlers

You can add lactase enzymes to regular milk. You can also take these enzymes as capsules or chewable tablets. There are also many lactose-free dairy products available.

Not having milk and other dairy products in your diet can lead to a shortage of calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin, and protein. You need 1,000 to 1,500 mg of calcium each day depending on your age and gender. Some things you can do to get more calcium in your diet are:

  • Take calcium supplements with Vitamin D. Talk to your health care provider about which ones to choose.
  • Eat foods that have more calcium (such as leafy greens, oysters, sardines, canned salmon, shrimp, and broccoli).
  • Drink orange juice with added calcium.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Symptoms most often go away when you remove milk, other dairy products, and other sources of lactose from your diet. Without dietary changes, infants or children may have growth problems.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if:

  • You have an infant younger than 2 or 3 years old who has symptoms of lactose intolerance.
  • Your child is growing slowly or not gaining weight.
  • You or your child has symptoms of lactose intolerance and you need information about food substitutes.
  • Your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment.
  • You develop new symptoms.

 

Prevention

 

There is no known way to prevent lactose intolerance. You can prevent symptoms by avoiding foods with lactose.

 

 

References

Hogenauer C, Hammer HF. Maldigestion and malabsorption. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 104.

Lactose intolerance. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Updated June 2014. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance/Pages/facts.aspx . Accessed May 24, 2016.

Semrad CE. Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 140.

 
  • Digestive system organs - illustration

    The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

    Digestive system organs

    illustration

    • Digestive system organs - illustration

      The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

      Digestive system organs

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Lactose intolerance

         

         

        Review Date: 5/11/2016

        Reviewed By: Subodh K. Lal, MD, gastroenterologist with Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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