Lactose Intolerance

Almost all of us are born with the ability to secrete enough lactase enzyme. However, as we all grow up, and move to other types food than the breast milk, the ability of the small intestine to produce lactase reduces gradually. Most of us can still drink milk and would have enough lactase to digest it. However, for some people, the lactase levels fall much lower thereby causing lactose intolerance. This happens with aging and is known as Primary Lactose Intolerance. This condition is not common among South Asians, rather, is mostly seen in African, Arab, Jewish, Greek, and Italian descendants

Secondary lactose intolerance happens when the body loses its ability to produce lactase because of illness, surgery, etc. This could happen because of IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome), Inflammatory diseases ( Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s etc), Celiac disease (Gluten intolerance), etc.

Very rarely, it could be congenital lactose intolerance, and happens at the infancy itself and is mostly hereditary or due to premature birth.

IBS or other gastrointestinal issues are often confused as lactose intolerance. If there is blood in the stool, then it is a strong indicator that it is NOT lactose intolerance and needs immediate medical attention

People who are lactose intolerant stand at a risk of reduced calcium absorption, thereby causing osteoporosis, brittle bones etc. A Calcium+Vit D3 supplementation is highly recommended for such people. If you are lactose intolerant, the best way is to avoid dairy products. However, there are lactase enzyme supplements that can be taken to cover up for the deficiency of the lactase enzyme.