Abnormality in which a deficiency in the amount of the enzyme lactase results in an inability to digest lactose (milk sugar). It is usually congenital, more common in people of Asian and African heritage, but may also result from gastrectomy, disease of the small intestine, or certain other disorders.
A shortage of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose (the predominant sugar in milk and other dairy products) so it can be absorbed by the body.
Lactase deficiency is a state characterized by the lack of the enzyme lactase, responsible for breaking down lactose, the sugar found in milk. This absence of lactase occurs within the cells of the small intestine, leading to a diminished capacity to digest lactose. This condition is termed lactose intolerance and typically emerges during adolescence or adulthood. In rare instances, it can be present from birth, notably among premature babies. Additionally, lactase deficiency might be temporary, occurring after instances of gastroenteritis or following antibiotic treatment, particularly in young children.
Undigested lactose undergoes fermentation within the intestines, giving rise to symptoms like abdominal cramps, bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea.
Diagnosing the condition can involve examining fecal samples to detect lactose presence. Alternatively, an exclusion diet might be employed. This entails refraining from dairy product consumption for a brief period and then reintroducing them to observe any potential alterations in symptoms.
Management involves adhering to a diet devoid of lactose. While certain individuals can tolerate limited dairy intake, others need to entirely eliminate dairy products from their diet, encompassing milk, yogurt, cream, butter, and cheese. There are options available, such as lactose-preprocessed dairy items, as well as enzyme supplements containing lactase. These supplements can be mixed with milk or consumed alongside meals.