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(lactose). This
sugar, unique to milk and foods made from milk, requires a specific
enzymeto digest it so that the body can absorb it. This enzyme,
called lactase, is present in almost all infants. However, by the
age of 5 to 8, the intestine loses this enzyme. This is a normal
process.
Lactose digestion |
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About
80% of Caucasians 95% of Blacks
65% of Asians
lose lactase. |
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Lactose (milk sugar) cannot be absorbed by the small intestine
without lactase. If lactase is absent, it passes into the large
bowel. The other ingredients of milk, such as fats, cholesterol and
calcium can be absorbed by the small intestine. Once the lactose
reaches the large intestine, normal intestinal bacteria break it
into smaller molecules. These molecules include gases such as
methane and hydrogen, and irritating substances such as formic acid,
formaldehyde, and acetic acid. Normally the colon is able to
tolerate small amounts of these substances and they pass into the
stool.
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
When a person's colon is irritable and unable to tolerate these
substances, or if a large amount of milk is ingested, symptoms of
lactose intolerance may develop. In small amounts, this irritability
may result in constipation. This is why cheese is often considered
"binding". In other cases, the person may develop loose
bowel movements or even diarrhea. Increased stomach
"gurgling", excessive gas, and bloating can also result.
It can aggravate existing disorders, including ulcerative colitis,
Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
Why are we Lactase deficient?
The loss of the enzyme lactase is genetically determined. About
80% of Caucasians, 95% of Blacks, and 65% of Asians lose lactase.
Remember, this is the normal condition, since the body tends to
discard things it doesn't need. Most mammals do not need milk after
they are weaned. However, in circumstances where milk gives a
genetic advantage, certain populations have developed the ability to
keep the lactase enzyme. Since milk is an excellent source of
Vitamin D, people who are not exposed to a lot of sun, an excellent
source of Vitamin D, such as Northern Europeans, have a higher
incidence of lactase retention. People from sunny areas, such as
Africa or southern Mediterranean areas, have a low incidence of
lactase retention.
Lactose content of foods
Lactose is only found in milk products. All other natural foods
without added lactose, whey or milk solids do not contain lactose.
Some medications may contain lactose as a binder to hold the pill
together.
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Diseases
and their Treatments - Lactose (Milk) Intolerance