Lactose and Your Body

Lactose can be the cause of sensitivity to dairy, but it can be managed easily.

You may have heard of lactose intolerance, but you might not know what it really is. In a few seconds you will. Lactose intolerance is characterized by the symptoms that occur when your body does not make enough of a digestive enzyme called lactase to digest a sugar called lactose, which is found mainly in milk and other dairy products.

Normally, our body produces lactase, which breaks down lactose into two simple sugars, glucose and galactose. These two sugars can then be absorbed into the bloodstream. People whose bodies don’t make enough lactase can’t fully digest lactose, causing mild to uncomfortable side effects.

Some people have a higher chance of being lactose intolerant, including people of Hispanic, African-American, Asian and Jewish descent. It also affects adults more than children, since the body produces less lactase enzyme as people age.

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

Common signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Bloating

The symptoms can be mild or severe depending on the amount of lactose consumed and the degree of lactase deficiency. Some people who produce small amounts of lactase may be able to tolerate small servings of foods containing lactose. Symptoms can appear anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours after eating these foods.

How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?

It’s not always easy to diagnose lactose intolerance through symptoms alone. Many of the symptoms are the same as those of other conditions. The best way to confirm the condition is through specific tests at your doctor’s office. And if you don’t have lactose intolerance, testing can point to other conditions that may be causing discomfort.

The most common self-diagnosis test is the Dairy Digestion Test. If it indicates you may be lactose intolerant, you should confirm the diagnosis with your doctor.

Take the Dairy Digestion Test

How is lactose intolerance treated?
There's no cure for lactose intolerance, but it is easily managed.
The best methods are to:

• Be aware of what foods contain lactose. Note that some dairy foods are better tolerated than others, such as yogurt and other fermented dairy products, and hard, aged cheeses.
• Observe the amount of lactose you eat.
• Use LACTAID^® Brand Products to prevent dairy discomfort.