People with lactase deficiency are considered lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is a common condition that occurs during adolescence and into adulthood. This condition develops when your digestive system has a difficult time digesting dairy products. Milk contains a particular sugar called lactose. Like other sugars, lactose needs to be broken down by specific enzymes so it can be absorbed as an energy source. If you lack the lactase enzyme, you will develop common lactose intolerant symptoms from a half-hour to two hours after consuming the dairy products.
Lactase Deficiency
A lactase deficiency commonly begins around the age of two years, but most symptoms don't develop until adulthood. The cells in your digestive system produce lactase to digest lactose. During digestion the enzyme clings to the lactose and breaks it down into glucose and galactose, which are simple sugars that are easily absorbed into your blood. If you have a lactase deficiency, the lactose goes undigested and moves throughout the digestive system into your colon, where bacteria attack it.
Symptoms
When the bacteria in the large intestine, or the colon, attack the lactose, it is broken apart, which causes lactose intolerant symptoms. The two chemicals that are released during the bacterial attack are acidic and lactic acid chemicals. The most common symptoms include rumbling, gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping and bloating. Symptoms can range from mild to severe based on how much lactose is consumed and how much lactase is produced during digestion.
Treatment
Avoiding dairy products is the most common treatment for people with severe lactase deficiency. Eating a small amount of dairy products could trigger severe symptoms. Removing lactose from your diet may be difficult because many processed food contain lactase. You can also use a lactase enzyme supplement to prevent symptoms from developing if you take the supplement at the first bite or sip of the food or beverage. These supplements add the enzyme to your intestinal tract to help the body digest the sugar.
Calcium Consideration
Dairy products are the main source of calcium for most people. If you eliminate dairy from your diet you will need to find other food sources to maintain your daily intake of calcium. You may also take a supplement. Broccoli, collard greens and kale all contain significant amounts of calcium. Many dairy alternatives, such as rice milk, are fortified with calcium. Talk with your doctor before using any supplements
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