Manage Lactose Intolerance

Causes of Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance follows when the small intestine doesn’t produce enough lactase needed to digest lactose. Typically, lactase converts lactose into glucose and galactose, which will be absorbed into the bloodstream. In lactase deficiency, lactose travels into the colon instead of being absorbed. In the colon, normal bacteria interact with undigested lactose, causing the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance.

There are mainly three types of lactose intolerance:-

1. Primary Lactose Intolerance

It is the most common type of lactose intolerance. Here, lactase production decreases sharply by adulthood, making milk products difficult to digest.

2. Secondary Lactose Intolerance

This type of lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine reduces lactase production followed by a disease, injury, or surgery involving the small intestine. Illnesses associated with secondary lactose intolerance include celiac disease, intestinal infection, Crohn’s disease, and bacterial overgrowth.

3. Congenital or Developmental Lactose Intolerance

It is a rare condition. Here, babies are born with lactose intolerance as a result of a lack of lactase. This condition can be passed over generations by inheritance. In congenital lactose intolerance, both parents pass on the same gene variant to the child, and the child will be affected. It can also affect premature infants who have insufficient lactase levels.