If drinking a big glass of milk has you holding your stomach and running for the bathroom an hour later, you're in good company. Lactose, one of the two sugars found in milk and other dairy products, is literally indigestible a large part of the world's population. Lactose intolerance affects as many as 98 percent of some population groups, such as Southeast Asians, the University of California at Davis' Center of Excellence for Nutritional Genomics reports. Fortunately, there's a way to enjoy your milk without hours of discomfort afterward--lactase supplements.
Lactose Intolerance Causes
Milk contains around 40 g per liter of lactose. Lactose intolerance is usually a matter of genetics. People with lactose intolerance don't make enough of the enzyme lactase, which is produced in the cells that line the small intestine. Lactase breaks down lactose into two sugars, glucose and galactose so it can be absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream. You may be able to indulge in a small amount of lactose-rich food without triggering symptoms. The degree of lactose intolerance can vary from person to person. Secondary causes of lactose intolerance include stomach surgery or diseases that damage the small intestine. Lactaid products increase your ability to eat dairy products in all cases.
Lactose Intolerance Development
Babies almost never have lactose intolerance, even babies from population groups where a large number of people have lactose intolerance. Babies need milk to survive, so they have the digestive enzymes to break it down. Lactose intolerance doesn't develop until after age 2 and many people don't develop lactose intolerance until their late teens or in early adulthood, the National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorder Institute reports. It's not necessary to feed babies or small children Lactaid products, even if both parents have lactose intolerance.
Lactaid Products
Taking supplements that supply the missing enzyme lactase increases your ability to tolerate dairy products. Lactaid products, made by McNeil Nutritionals, include capsules that contain lactase as well as milk, ice cream, cottage cheese and half-and-half. These products have lactase added so that they're safe for most lactose intolerance people to eat. Their nutritional value is not altered in any way; they still contain milk and calcium.
Allergy vs. Intolerance
Lactose intolerance differs from milk allergy, which can develop in infants. Taking Lactaid products will not help babies with milk allergy; the proteins in milk cause milk allergy. Milk allergy improves as children get older in 85 percent of cases, according to the Auckland Allergy Clinic, where lactose intolerance does not.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders: Lactose Intolerance; June 2009
- University of California at Davis: Lactose Intolerance; 2010
- Colorado State University Extension: Lactose Intolerance; May 2009
- McNeil Nutritionals: Lactaid: Our Products
- Auckland Allergy Clinic: Lactose Intolerance & Milk Allergy
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