Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body is unable to adequately digest lactose, the main sugar found in milk and dairy products. It is caused by a deficiency in lactase, an enzyme produced in the intestines that hydrolyzes lactose into the simpler sugars glucose and galactose. Without this enzyme, lactose is not digested and can cause symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and gas.
History of the disease and interesting historical facts
Lactose intolerance is thought to have been a common condition for most people before livestock domestication, which led to milk and other dairy products being consumed. Since then, the ability to digest lactose has become more common among some ethnic groups, particularly Europeans.
Epidemiology
Lactose intolerance is quite common and occurs in different ethnic groups. From 70% to 100% of people of African, Asian, and Native American descent suffer from this problem. While among Scandinavians, lactose intolerance is extremely rare.
Genetic predisposition to this disease
Lactose intolerance has a genetic basis. It is associated with a mutation of the gene responsible for the production of the lactase enzyme. More precisely, we are talking about the LCT gene, which codes for lactase. The presence of variants of this gene, causing reduced lactase activity, can lead to lactose intolerance.
Risk factors for the development of this disease
The main risk factor for developing lactose intolerance is ethnicity. As mentioned above, some ethnic groups are at a higher risk of suffering from this condition. Unlike hereditary lactose intolerance, transient lactose intolerance, which often develops after intestinal infections, can occur in certain conditions, such as intestinal infections, surgery, or diseases affecting the intestines.
Diagnosis of this disease
Diagnosis of lactose intolerance includes anamnesis analysis, clinical examination and some laboratory tests. Among the latter, the main place is occupied by the lactase deficiency test, which is based on measuring the level of hydrogen in exhaled air after taking a lactose solution.
Treatment
Treatment of lactose intolerance often comes down to dietary changes - limiting or completely eliminating foods containing lactose. Some patients are helped by pharmacological drugs containing the enzyme lactase, which help break down lactose.
List of medications for the treatment of this disease
Among the drugs used are Lactaid, Lacteeze and Digestive Advantage Lactose Defense, which contain the enzyme lactase.
Disease monitoring
Disease monitoring is based on monitoring the effectiveness of treatment and dietary adjustments, as well as periodic testing.
Age-related features of the disease
Adults are more likely to be lactose intolerant than children because the activity of the lactase enzyme naturally decreases with age. However, lactose intolerance can also manifest itself at an early age.
Questions and Answers
- Is it possible to completely cure lactose intolerance?
- Can I eat cheese and butter if I am lactose intolerant?
- Should you take probiotics if you are lactose intolerant?
Since lactose intolerance is usually genetic, it is impossible to completely get rid of it. However, the symptoms can be controlled with diet and medication.
Many cheeses and butters contain very little lactose, meaning they can be consumed even by those with lactose intolerance.
Probiotics may help improve gut microbiota health and relieve symptoms of lactose intolerance, but their use should be discussed with your doctor.
Advice from Dr. Oleg Korzhikov
Avoid drinking milk and dairy products without pre-processing and do not abuse sweets. Gradually introduce products containing milk sugar into your diet and monitor your body's reaction. There are special lactose-free products that are suitable for people with intolerance. Remember that the effectiveness of treatment largely depends on you and your discipline.
