Lactose intolerance affects more adults than children. Around 50 million Americans have some degree of lactose intolerance, with 30 million developing the disorder by age 20, according to MedlinePlus. Low levels of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose, the sugar in milk, cause lactose intolerance. The condition often runs in families and occurs in varying degrees; some people can consume a small amount of milk products without symptoms, while others can't consume any. Lactose intolerance, while not serious, can only be controlled, not cured.
Risk Factors
Lactose intolerance develops earlier in African Americans than Caucasians, starting as early as age two. Between 90 and 95 percent of African Americans and 20 to 25 percent of Caucasians have lactose intolerance to some degree, according to Science in Africa. Most Caucasians are over age five before they develop symptoms. The risk of developing lactose intolerance increases as you age. In addition to African Americans, people of Asian, American Indian and Hispanic descent also have an increased chance of having the disorder. Lactase is produced in the small intestine; people who have had gastric surgery or who have chronic intestinal disorders are more likely to have the disorder.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lactose intolerance occur within 30 minutes to two hours after consuming lactose. Symptoms center on the intestinal tract, with nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating or gas commonly occurring. More severe generalized symptoms such as rashes, hives, facial swelling or difficulty breathing occur with milk allergies rather than lactose intolerance; the two disorders are not related. Milk allergy more often occurs in children than adults, the Science in Africa website explains.
Treatment
Avoiding products that contain lactose prevents the symptoms. Regular yogurt may be more easily tolerated than other milk products because the live bacteria found in yogurt help break down the lactose. Frozen yogurt may not break down as well and can still cause symptoms. Lactose-free and lactose treated milk, which reduces lactose content by 70 percent, according to MedlinePlus, and other products with lactose removed, help adults get their required calcium intake without the symptoms. Drops, tablets or capsules containing lactase also help adults with lactose intolerance to eat dairy products without discomfort. To get your daily calcium, add almonds, broccoli, calcium-fortified breads and cereals, soy milk or tofu to your diet.
Foods to Avoid
Lactose finds its way into more than dairy products. If you have a severe intolerance to lactose, you need to read food labels carefully to find which foods contain lactose. Typical lactose sources include processed meats, salad dressing, potato chips, protein bars and supplements, margarine, bread, soups and breakfast drinks.
