You must have heard from someone you know that they can't have milk or milk products as they are lactose intolerant, and it makes them bloat or gassy. Or you might have also experienced these symptoms after eating dairy. 

However, do not worry; you are not alone. Almost 70% of the world's population cannot digest dairy properly; hence, they are lactose intolerant. It is generally more prevalent in regions where milk or dairy farming has been the least or absent in history. 

What is lactose intolerance? 

Lactose intolerance is when a person is unable to digest lactose, the prominent carbohydrate present in milk. It is due to the lack of an enzyme named lactase, which is produced in the small intestine and helps in breaking down lactose into glucose and galactose, which are easy to absorb via the bloodstream. 

Symptoms of lactose intolerance 

Here are some of the major symptoms of lactose intolerance in humans:

  • Gas
  • Bloating 
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea 
  • Abdominal cramps

 

Types of lactose intolerance 

There are generally three kinds of lactose intolerance:

  1. Congenital lactase deficiency: It is a rare, inherited type where babies are born with little to no lactase enzyme. 
  2. Primary lactose deficiency: This is the most common and occurs due to a natural decline in lactase production in the body with age. 
  3. Secondary lactose deficiency: This is due to an injury or illness of the small intestine resulting in low production of lactase enzyme. 

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Why are some people lactose intolerant while others are not 

Several factors influence lactose intolerance in an individual. It varies across different populations and is generally determined by evolutionary, genetic, and dietary factors. 

  1. Genetics: The ability to produce lactase is inherited, thus genetics play a big role and influence a person's ability to digest lactose.  
  2. Evolutionary adaptation: Populations that have a history of dairy farming and consumption have evolved and adapted to digest lactose in comparison to populations that have historically not indulged in dairy farming. 
  3. Dietary habits: Regular consumption of milk or milk products can induce lactase production in the body, making lactose intolerance less prevalent. 

 

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