Lactose intolerance is the inability to breakdown lactose. Interaction between undigested lactose and bacteria in the large intestine cause uncomfortable symptoms related to lactose intolerance or lactase deficiency. Symptoms related to lactose intolerance are primarily uncomfortable but do not point to a serious digestive condition. The symptoms generally subside within a few hours.
If you are lactose intolerant, you will likely feel the following symptoms:. In other words, it is possible to have insufficient absorption of lactose and not be lactose intolerant. The degree of symptoms a person experiences can vary. Some people who are lactose intolerant may be able to consume a small amount of dairy foods and not have symptoms, while others can experience a lot of painful symptoms with even the smallest amount of lactose intake.
People tolerate lactose differently. Lactase enzymes are found in the lining of the small intestine. They change the milk sugar into absorbable compounds — glucose and galactose. If your body does not produce enough lactase, lactose is not digested and absorbed in the small intestine in the usual way. Instead, it continues to travel along the digestive tract to the large intestine, where bacteria partially break it down into acids and gases. This fermentation process causes excessive wind, bloating and associated pain.
Any undigested lactose continues along the intestinal tract. This lactose attracts water molecules.
So rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream, water remains in the faecal matter poo and watery poo diarrhoea is the result. Lactose intolerance is largely genetically determined — where your genetic make-up causes you to have less lactase than usual.
Some other causes include:. There are two types of lactose intolerance in babies: primary and secondary lactose intolerance. Primary lactose intolerance or congenital lactose intolerance is a very rare genetic condition. Babies with this condition are born without any lactase enzymes at all. They cannot process or absorb lactose. They fail to thrive from birth, and have severe diarrhoea from the day they are born.
They are diagnosed straight after birth. Babies with this condition must be fed feeds free of lactose. Secondary lactose intolerance occurs when the gut lining where lactase is produced is damaged.
This can occur due to a bout of gastroenteritis or due to chronic irritation such as that due to food allergy or food intolerance , among other reasons.
Breastfed babies experiencing symptoms of lactose intolerance but who do not have primary lactose intolerance should continue to breastfeed. Once the source of the damage is removed, their gut will heal and produce lactase again.
There is no need for women who are breastfeeding to reduce or cut out dairy foods if their baby is showing signs of lactose intolerance. Regardless of what they eat or drink, the level of lactose in breastmilk stays at around seven per cent. For formula-fed babies, there is no benefit in using lactose-free formula unless the baby is losing weight. Lactase drops are available from pharmacies, but are not always helpful. If your baby is showing signs of lactose intolerance, such as excessive bowel motions, wind in the bowel, and pain, have your baby checked by your GP for any medical problems such as infection.
The condition, which is also called lactose malabsorption, is usually harmless, but its symptoms can be uncomfortable.
Too little of an enzyme produced in your small intestine lactase is usually responsible for lactose intolerance. You can have low levels of lactase and still be able to digest milk products. But if your levels are too low you become lactose intolerant, leading to symptoms after you eat or drink dairy. Most people with lactose intolerance can manage the condition without having to give up all dairy foods. The signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin from 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose.
Common signs and symptoms include:. Make an appointment with your doctor if you frequently have symptoms of lactose intolerance after eating dairy foods, particularly if you're worried about getting enough calcium. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Subscribe for free and receive your in-depth guide to digestive health, plus the latest on health innovations and news.
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There have been reports of other symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue and eczema, but these are rarer and not well established. Sometimes people mistakenly attribute symptoms of a milk allergy, such as eczema, to lactose intolerance.
If you have symptoms of lactose intolerance, a hydrogen breath test may help determine whether you have lactose malabsorption or your symptoms are caused by something else. Treatment involves reducing or removing sources of lactose from your diet, including milk, cream and ice cream. However, many people with lactose intolerance can drink up to 1 cup ml of milk without experiencing symptoms. People with lactose intolerance are unable to digest lactose, the main carbohydrate in milk.
This can cause various digestive symptoms. A lactose tolerance test measures how well your body can process lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products, using the enzyme lactase.
Lactose-intolerant people don't have to avoid all dairy products. These 6 dairy foods have low levels of lactose and are usually well-tolerated. This article reviews the 8 most common types of food sensitivities and intolerances, their related symptoms and foods to avoid. This article examines the health effects of dairy products, which seem to vary greatly between individuals.
Many people are intolerant to dairy. An elimination diet is a great way to identify food intolerances, sensitivities and allergies. Find out whether it is right for you and how to follow…. Most food allergies are caused by just 8 foods. This article explains what they are, what symptoms they cause and what you can do about it. Butter is a dairy product, made from cream. However, it contains almost no lactose so it is often allowed on dairy-free diets.
Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Lactose is a type of sugar found naturally in the milk of most mammals. However, as children grow older, they generally produce less and less lactase. Here are the 5 most common signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance. Stomach Pain and Bloating. Share on Pinterest. Summary Lactose intolerance can cause diarrhea, or an increase in the frequency, liquidity or volume of stool.
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