Lactose Intolerance

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Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts of

lactose, the predominant sugar of milk. This inability results from a

shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is normally produced by the

cells that line the small intestine. Lactase breaks down milk sugar

into simpler forms that can then be absorbed into the bloodstream.

When there is not enough lactase to digest the amount of lactose

consumed, the results, although not usually dangerous, may be very

distressing. While not all persons deficient in lactase have symptoms,

those who do are considered to be lactose intolerant.

The symptoms listed below are caused by the fermentation of lactose.

Since lactose is not broken into glucose, and hence left unabsorbed by

the body, the perfect conditions found in the intestines help the

lactose to ferment and this leads to the formation of gases. A

particular gas is methane that is usually the cause for the pain and

aggressive flatulence.

Common symptoms incl...

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