Lactose is a sugar naturally present in milk and other dairy products. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the United States, lactose intolerance occurs when a person suffers from poor absorption of this substance, since their small intestine produces low concentrations of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose. .
As a consequence, the person cannot digest lactose properly and it passes into the colon. There, bacteria break down lactose, resulting in symptoms such as gas, bloating and abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, most people are born with the ability to tolerate lactose. However, approximately 75% of the world’s population loses this ability at some point in their lives.
According to the aforementioned study, in the majority of infants intestinal lactase activity is maximum during the perinatal period. After 2 to 12 years, two distinct groups emerge, one with low lactase activity and another that retains its persistence of this substance. Another research, also published in the National Library of Medicine, found that as age increases, the prevalence of lactose malabsorption increases.
Dr. Linna Goelz explained to HuffPost that, historically, humans produce less and less lactase enzymes over time, as babies produce significant amounts to digest the latose present in breast milk, but when breastfeeding ends, Humans consume less dairy foods.
This is a gradual reduction called lactase non-persistence or acquired lactase deficiency. In this regard, genes also influence, as well as other external factors. Gastroenterologist Janese Laster indicated to the aforementioned media that circumstances such as gastrointestinal diseases, accidents that cause injuries to the small intestine, surgeries that affect the small intestine or conditions such as Crohn’s disease can contribute to the development of lactose intolerance.
Finally, Dr. Menka Gupta added that other factors can cause an increase in lactose intolerance, such as certain infections, inflammatory or autoimmune diseases such as gastroenteritis, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, chemotherapy and antibiotics, which “cause lesions in the mucosa.” intestinal, commonly known as leaky gut,” indicated the doctor.
Therefore, if symptoms appear that indicate lactose intolerance or poor digestion, it is advisable to go to the doctor to perform the relevant tests to diagnose lactose intolerance. And, likewise, the necessary treatment to overcome this condition.
