Lactose intolerance is an inability to properly digest the milk sugar lactose. When someone with an intolerance consumes foods that contain lactose, such as frozen yogurt, it can leads to several uncomfortable symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, nausea and diarrhea. Although it can cause a great deal of discomfort, lactose intolerance is not serious. According to the MedlinePlus health information website, an estimated 30 million Americans have some degree of lactose intolerance by the age of 20.
Physiology
Normally, the cells in your small intestine produce an enzyme called lactase. When you consume frozen yogurt, lactase breaks down the lactose into single sugar units, called glucose and galactose, which your body can absorb. Those with lactose intolerance do not produce enough or any of the enzyme lactase. As a result, the body cannot break down the lactose from frozen yogurt into simple sugars, and it moves through the digestive tract in its full form. When the lactose reaches the large intestine and comes into contact with the bacteria that normally thrive there, it causes uncomfortable digestive symptoms.
Causes
Lactose intolerance is divided into different types based on the cause. Primary lactose intolerance occurs as a result of increasing age. As you get older, your body's production of the enzyme lactase naturally decreases. Some people stop producing lactase, and some don't produce enough to properly break down lactose.
Secondary lactose intolerance can result from an illness or injury. Common causes of secondary lactose intolerance include celiac disease, Crohn's disease, gastroenteritis and surgery. Some people with secondary lactose intolerance are able to increase production of lactase once the underlying condition they correct the underlying condition.
Congenital lactose intolerance is a form of lactose intolerance that is present from birth. This type is rare.
Treatment
You cannot increase your body's production of lactase. The only way to avoid the symptoms of lactose intolerance is to remove foods and drinks that contain lactose, such as frozen yogurt, from the diet. Lactose-free or soy frozen yogurt is often available as a substitute for frozen yogurt made with milk.
Considerations
Some people experience severe symptoms from small amounts of lactose, while others experience mild symptoms. MedlinePlus notes that people who produce small amounts of lactase may be able to consume 2 oz. to 4 oz. of milk products a day, while people who produce no lactase generally cannot tolerate any amount.
Regular yogurt contains live, active cultures that help convert lactose to lactic acid in your digestive system. Because of this, people with mild lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate regular yogurt. Frozen yogurt does not contain these live cultures, so the body does not tolerate it for those with lactose intolerance.
