What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem affecting millions of people around the world. People with lactose intolerance are unable to digest a type of sugar called lactose. Lactose is the main sugar found in milk and can be found in milk containing products such as ice cream and cakes.

People who are lactose intolerant are not able to produce an enzyme called lactase, which is essential for the digestion of lactose.

In lactose intolerant people, drinking milk and eating milk-containing products can cause them to feel sick to their stomach. In addition, it can cause gas problems, diarrhea and sometimes, swelling in the stomach.

To test for lactose intolerance, the doctor may perform blood, breath or stool test.

The condition is often not serious. Lactose intolerance can be managed with eating less food with lactose or using pills to help with the digestion.

Because milk is a major source of calcium, having lactose intolerance may cause lack of dietary calcium. The doctor may recommend calcium supplementation.

Learn more about Lactose Intolerance.

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