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Lactose IntoleranceLactose intolerance is a condition that affects 30-50 million Americans. This condition is characterized by the inability to digest lactose--the predominant sugar found in milk. This inability is due to a lack of lactase, the enzyme produced in the small intestine, which is responsible for breaking down lactose. SymptomsSymptoms of lactose intolerance include:
These symptoms usually occur 30 mins. to 2 hours after eating or drinking substances that include lactose. The severity of your symptoms will depend on the amount of lactose you ingest and your personal tolerance. Each individual is different. Lacotse intolerance can be cause by a variety of factors. Certain digestive diseases and injuries to the small intestine can prevent the production of the enzyme lactase. Some infants are born without the ability to produce this enzyme. In many cases, the body naturally decreases its production of lactase after the age of 2; although, symptoms may not arise for several years afterwards. Ethnicity is also a major factor. Approximately, 75% of African Americans and Native Americans and 90% of Asians suffer from lactose intolerance. DiagnosisThere are three types of procedure used to diagnose lactose intolerance:
TreatmentThere is no treatment that can make the body produce more lactase enzyme. Therefore, treatment is used to alleviate the symptoms associated with ingesting lactose. Small children and infants who could be lactose intolerant should not ingest foods which contain lactose. Mothers may choose to substitute soy formula for dairy milk. The ingestion of dairy products by adults differs depending on the tolerance of the individual. Through trial and error of foods and amounts, one can gain a handle on his/her ability to naturally ingest lactose. To assist in the digestion of lactose there are several lactase enzyme supplements available without a prescription. There are also plenty of products including lactose-reduced milk available in the supermarket. Dairy is a major source for vitamin and minerals--especially calcium. A lack of calcium in the diet can result in a thinning of the bones later in life--a condition called osteoporosis. People with lactose intolerance who are avoiding dairy products should supplement their intake of calcium. In 1997, the Institute of Medicine published new guideline for an individuals intake of calcium based on age:
Pregnant or nursing women under the age of 19 should consume 1,300 mg of calcium daily. Pregnant or nursing women over the age of 19 should consume 1,000 mg daily. There are other types of non-dairy food that are also a great source of calcium such as broccoli and kale or fish with soft, edible bones such as salmon or sardines. Here is a chart containing several types of food, both dairy and non-dairy along with amounts of calcium and lactose present in each:
Vitamin D is another mineral which is essential to proper nutrition. It also aids the body in absorbing calcium. Eggs and liver are great sources of Vitamin D; yet, sunlight causes the body the synthesize this vitamin naturally. With enough sunlight, food and vitamin supplements for Vitamin D may not be necessary. Finally, if you are lactose intolerant, you should read the ingredients of food products in order to find the "hidden" lactose that may be present in many non-dairy, processed foods. Look for key words like whey, curd, milk by-products, dry milk solids and nonfat dry milk powder--products with these ingredients contain lactose. Also, approximately 20% of prescription drugs, 6% of over-the-counter medications and some birth control pills use lactose as a base; although, this usually only affects individuals who are severely lactose intolerant. Consult a physician or dietician before ingesting dietary supplements. These substances, if taken incorrectly, can be very harmful to your health. It is possible to gain all the nutrients your body needs with only minor adjustments to your diet. |
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BrooklynGI.com with offices in New York City
Brooklyn Queens and Manhattan. Treating patients from New York, New Jersey and
Connecticut. is dedicated to helping patients and physicians receive accurate
and up-to-date information on the Gastrointestinal tract (GI Tract) The organs
that compose the GI tract include, Esophagus, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large
Intestine (Colon), Pancreas and the Liver and Gall Bladder (Hepato-Biliary Tree)
Dr. Scott Tenner Contact
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