Lactose intolerance, or lactase deficiency, is a common digestive complication experienced by adult humans. Lactose intolerance is considered normal in adult humans because around the age of 2 years, the human body naturally slows the production of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. Lactose is the sugar found in most forms of milk, including breast milk, cow's milk, sheep's milk and goat's milk. If you suspect that you're lactose intolerant, talk with your doctor for a clinical diagnosis and treatment options.
Lactose in Childhood
During the last trimester of pregnancy, the fetus' intestines begin producing large amounts of lactase in preparation for drinking breast milk. During the first few years of life, the infant's digestive system continues to produce high quantities of lactase to accommodate a milk-based diet. Around the age of 2 years, the intestines stop creating as much lactase as the child transitions from baby to childhood. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that even if a child becomes lactose intolerant, most symptoms don't develop until adolescence or adulthood.
Intolerance
As you age, your body continues to decrease the amount of lactase produced in the digestive system. If your body slows down the amount of lactase produced too much, you will no longer be able to process and effectively digest lactose. This causes gastrointestinal complications because the lactose remains undigested and enters the colon. In the colon, the lactose interacts with bacteria that cause excessive gas, bloating, cramping and diarrhea, according to MayoClinic.com. Other reasons that can cause lactose intolerance include surgery on the digestive system, trauma to the digestive system or a gastric illness.
Risk Factors
Anyone can develop lactose intolerance at any stage of life, but the condition is incurable. People who are most likely to develop lactose intolerance are those who have African, Hispanic, Native American or Asian background. Lactose intolerance is least common among people who are from European descent. Infants who are born premature may be born deficient of lactase. This condition is typically temporary until the child's expected due date, when her body will begin producing lactase naturally.
Treatment
Although there is not a cure for lactose intolerance, the symptoms are treatable and preventable by eating a low-lactose diet, using lactose-free dairy products or by taking a lactase enzyme supplement. Some dairy products are naturally lower in lactose, such as cottage cheese, yogurt and kefir. Lactose-free diary products are sold at the grocery store and have had the lactose removed during manufacturing. Lactase supplements, when taken before the first bite of dairy, can prevent symptoms from developing.
