Lactose Intolerance
By: Gillian Tocheny
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose Intolerance: Otherwise Known As...
-Alactasia
-Dairy Product Intolerance
-Hypolactasia
-Lactose Malabsorption
-Milk Sugar Intolerance
10 Facts About Lactose Intolerance
2.) The liver changes galactose into glucose, raising the blood's glucose level.
3.) The condition is not serious or fatal but it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
4.) Some people have low levels of lactase but don't show any symptoms associated with lactose intolerance as the condition develops over time.
5.) People with lactose intolerance typically have low levels of lactase and experience symptoms associated with the condition.
6.) Lactose intolerance is non-avoidable.
7.) The condition is usually inherited genetically (contracted through genetic mutations).
8.) Galactose, produced from lactose, is derived from milk sugar.
9.) Treatment options are different for every person.
10.) Lactose is present in dairy products as well as some non-dairy products, causing the onset of lactose intolerance when too much lactose is consumed and not enough lactase is produced.
Demographics of the Condition
- Lactose intolerance is a common condition throughout the world.
- It tends to be more common among African Americans, Africans, South Americans, Asians, Native Americans, and people from Mediterranean descent.
- It is less common in Europe and North America.
- It effects many ages, including newborns.
- 30-50 million American adults have lactose intolerance by age 20.
- 75% of the adult population has lactose intolerance (some may not have symptoms).
Lactose Intolerance in the Human Body
Undigested lactose is present in the colon leading to the retention of fluid in the feces (diarrhea). Gases are then produced when bacterial fermentation occurs, a process where sugar is converted to acid, gas, or alcohol.
Factors & Types of Lactose Intolerance
Factors:
- Ethnicity
- Age (tends to occur as people age)
- Disease (related to but not the same as Crohn's and Celiac Disease)
- Premature Babies (low levels of lactase are common in newborns, but most newborns don't develop lactose intolerance)
- Radiation (targeted toward the abdominal area)
*Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease.
*Celiac Disease is a disease that damages the small intestine, interfering with digestion as nutrients from food cannot be properly absorbed into the blood stream.
Types:
- Diseases of the digestive system (mentioned above) and injuries to the small intestine can cause lactose intolerance. This type of lactose intolerance is called secondary lactose intolerance (it is characterized as the decreased ability to produce lactase- the same characterization as the other types of lactose intolerance).
- Children born without the ability to produce lactase is rare. This type of lactose intolerance is called congenital lactose intolerance. Newborns must be given lactose-free formula if they develop lactose intolerance.
- People who develop symptoms of lactose intolerance as they age suffer from a type of lactose intolerance known as primary lactose intolerance.
Symptoms and Possible Effects of Lactose Intolerance
- Diarrhea (symptom)
- Gas (symptom)
- Bloating (symptom)
- Abnormal cramps (symptom)
- Nausea (symptom)
- Weight loss (effect)
- Malnutrition (effect)
- Slowed Growth (effect)
- Newborns with lactose intolerance can become dehydrated very fast if they consume too much lactose.
- The severity of the symptoms varies depending on the severity of the condition and how much lactose is consumed.
The Intolerance Interview: Contemplation with Katie
Diagnosing Lactose Intolerance
1.) A lactose intolerance test can be conducted. Patients fast and drink liquid containing lactose, which allows doctors to monitor the patient's glucose level.
2.) A lactose-hydrogen test measures the amount of hydrogen present in someone's breath. If more hydrogen is present, then undigested lactose is present.
3.) A stool acidity test measures the amount of acid present in feces collected.
4.) An enteroscopy allows for the small intestine to be observed as a tube is inserted through one's mouth, nose, or upper gastrointestinal tract. A colonoscopy can also be performed. Both tests remove tissue samples.
*The lactose intolerance test and the lactose-hydrogen test are not safe for children or infants, as it can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. The stool acidity test is the safest test for infants and children.
Treatment for Lactose Intolerance
- Children and adults alike can eat calcium-rich foods to replace foods/drinks containing lactose. Some supplemental foods include vegetables, seafood, almonds, oranges, and tofu.
- A controlled diet is necessary for some people, while others continue to incorporate lactose-containing products in their diet.
- Infants who have lactose intolerance need to consume lactose-free formula.
- Cow's milk can be supplemented with soy milk.
- Lactose supplements are available.
- Lactase enzymes are available without the need for a prescription.
- These enzymes also come in liquid form (drops). These drops reduce lactose content by 70%.
- Lactase tablets are available.
- Supermarkets sell products that contain little to no lactose.
Prognosis for Lactose Intolerance
Products with Lactose
- Milk
- Low-fat yogurt
- Frozen yogurt
- Ice Cream
- Sherbet
- Cheese
- Cream
- Butter
Dairy Items
Ice Cream
Butter
Products with Hidden Lactose
- Non-dairy creamers
- Artificial sweeteners
- Bread
- Cake
- Margarine
- Creamed soups
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Processed cereal
- Salad dressing
- Meat
- Potato chips
- Pudding
- Custard
These products may not directly state that they contain lactose. Instead, these hints will appear on food labels:
- Whey
- Curds
- Milk solids
- Lactoserum
- Dry milk solids
- Milk by-products
- Modified milk ingredients
- Non-fat dry milk powder
Milk Allergy Vs. Lactose Intolerance
A milk allergy is a type of food allergy. A food allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to a specific food protein. Food allergies can be life threatening. Hives, rashes, swelling, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness are commonly experienced by those who suffer from a milk allergy.
Lactose intolerance does not effect the immune system, but it does effect the digestive system. It is not a life threatening condition, but it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Diarrhea, gas, bloating, abnormal cramps, and nausea are commonly experienced by those who suffer from lactose intolerance.
Sources Cited
F. (2014). Know the Difference: Milk Allergy vs. Dairy Allergy vs. Lactose Intolerance. Retrieved October 24, 2016, from https://blog.foodallergy.org/2014/10/11/know-the-difference-milk-allergy-vs-dairy-allergy-vs-lactose-intolerance/
Hilton, L. (2015). Lactose intolerance. In J. L. Longe (Ed.), The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine (5th ed.). Farmington Hills, MI: Gale. Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/scic/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow?disableHighlighting=true&displayGroupName=Reference&currPage=&scanId=&query=&search_within_results=&p=SCIC&mode=view&catId=GALE%7CYVWUAV065969911&limiter=&display-query=&displayGroups=&contentModules=&action=e&sortBy=&documentId=GALE%7CCAXNFL742419931&windowstate=normal&activityType=&failOverType=&commentary=&source=Bookmark&u=beal89159&jsid=ed670ab117e2e053b1ec7360a1223a9f
Tortora, G.J., & Dickerson, B. (2001). Introduction to the Human Body: The Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology (9th ed.). New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Lactose Intolerance- Genetics Home Reference. (2016, October 25). Retrieved October 24, 2016, from https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/lactose-intolerance