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{{Infobox disease
You get doodoo
| Name = Lactose Intolerance
| Image = Lactose Haworth.svg
| Caption = [[Lactose]] ([[disaccharide]] of β-D-galactose & β-D-glucose) is normally split by [[lactase]].
| DiseasesDB = 7238
| ICD10 = {{ICD10|E|73||e|70}}
| ICD9 = {{ICD9|271.3}}
| ICDO =
| Read Code = C313100
| OMIM = 223100
| OMIM_mult = {{OMIM2|150220}}
| MedlinePlus = 000276
| eMedicineSubj = med
| eMedicineTopic = 3429
| eMedicine_mult = {{eMedicine2|ped|1270}}
| MeshID = D007787
}}

'''Lactose intolerance''', also called '''lactase deficiency''' and '''hypolactasia''', is the inability to digest [[lactose]], a sugar found in [[milk]] and to a lesser extent milk-derived [[dairy products]].

Lactose intolerant individuals have insufficient levels of [[lactase]], the [[enzyme]] that [[Metabolism|metabolizes]] lactose into [[glucose]] and [[galactose]], in their digestive system. In most cases this causes symptoms such as abdominal bloating and cramps, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, [[borborygmi]] (rumbling stomach) and/or vomiting<ref name=NDDIC>{{cite web|title=Lactose Intolerance|url=http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/lactoseintolerance/|work=National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)|publisher=NIDDK|accessdate=29 November 2011}}</ref> after consuming significant amounts of lactose.

Most [[mammal]]s normally become lactose intolerant after [[weaning]], but some human populations have developed [[lactase persistence]], in which lactase production continues into adulthood. It is estimated that 75% of adults worldwide show some decrease in lactase activity during adulthood.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-27939567_ITM |title=Improved lactose digestion and intolerance among African-American adolescent girls fed a dairy-rich diet | last = | first = | journal =Journal of the American Dietetic Association | volume = 100| issue = 5| year=2000 |accessdate=2009-02-03 |quote=Approximately 75% of the world's population loses the ability to completely digest a physiological dose of lactose after infancy |work= | pmid=10812376 |last1=Pribila |first1=BA |last2=Hertzler |first2=SR |last3=Martin |first3=BR |last4=Weaver |first4=CM |last5=Savaiano |first5=DA |pages=524–8; quiz 529–30 |doi=10.1016/S0002-8223(00)00162-0}}</ref> The frequency of decreased lactase activity ranges from 5% in northern Europe through 71% for Sicily to more than 90% in some African and Asian countries.<ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite journal |last1=Bulhões |first1=A.C. |last2=Goldani |first2=H.A.S. |last3=Oliveira |first3=F.S. |last4=Matte |first4=U.S. |last5=Mazzuca |first5=R.B. |last6=Silveira |first6=T.R. |title=Correlation between lactose absorption and the C/T-13910 and G/A-22018 mutations of the lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (LCT) gene in adult-type hypolactasia |journal=Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research |volume=40 |issue=11 |pages=1441–6 |year=2007 |pmid=17934640 |doi=10.1590/S0100-879X2007001100004}}</ref>

== Terminology ==
"Lactose intolerance" primarily refers to a [[syndrome]] having one or more symptoms upon the consumption of food substances containing lactose. Individuals may be lactose intolerant to varying degrees, depending on the severity of these symptoms. "Lactose malabsorption" refers to the physiological concomitant of lactase deficiency (i.e. the body does not have sufficient lactase capacity to digest the amount of lactose ingested).<ref name="Heyman 2006">{{Cite doi|10.1542/peds.2006-1721}}</ref> A medical condition with similar symptoms is [[fructose malabsorption]].

Lactase deficiency has a number of causes, and is therefore classified as one of three types:
* '''Primary lactase deficiency''' is genetic, only affects adults and is caused by the absence of a [[lactase persistence]] allele.<ref name="Heyman 2006" /><ref name=variant>{{cite journal |author=Enattah NS, Sahi T, Savilahti E, Terwilliger JD, Peltonen L, Järvelä I |title=Identification of a variant associated with adult-type hypolactasia |journal=Nat. Genet. |volume=30 |issue=2 |pages=233–7 |year=2002 |pmid=11788828 |doi=10.1038/ng826}}</ref> It is the most common cause of lactose intolerance as a majority of the world's population lacks these alleles.<ref name="Swallow 2003">{{Cite doi|10.1146/annurev.genet.37.110801.143820}}</ref>
* '''Secondary, acquired, or transient lactase deficiency''' is caused by an injury to the [[small intestine]], usually during infancy, from acute [[gastroenteritis]], [[diarrhea]], [[chemotherapy]], [[intestinal parasites]] or other environmental causes.<ref name="Heyman 2006" /><ref>{{cite journal |author=Swagerty DL, Walling AD, Klein RM |title=Lactose intolerance |journal=Am Fam Physician |volume=65 |issue=9 |pages=1845–50 |year=2002 |pmid=12018807 |doi= |url=http://www.aafp.org/afp/20020501/1845.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Lawson|first=Margaret|last2=Bentley|first2=Donald|last3=Lifschitz|first3=Carlos|title=Pediatric gastroenterology and clinical nutrition|year=2002|publisher=Remedica|location=London|isbn=978-1-901346-43-5|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=dLLgzcMsbo0C&pg=PA109&lpg=PA109lse#v=onepage&q&f=false|page=109}}</ref><ref name="eMedicine pediatric">{{Emedicine|emerg|930971|Pediatric Lactose Intolerance}}</ref>
* '''Congenital lactase deficiency''' is a very rare, [[autosomal recessive]] genetic disorder that prevents lactase expression from birth.<ref name="Heyman 2006" /> It is particularly common in [[Finland]].<ref name="Behrendt 2009">Behrendt, M; Kelser, M; Hoch, M; Naim, H.Y. “Impaired trafficking and Subcellular Localization of a Mutant Lactase associated with congenital Lactase Deficiency”. Gastroenterology.2009. Vol.136(7). P2295-2303.</ref> People with congenital lactase deficiency are thus unable to digest lactose from birth, and they are unable to digest breast milk.

Lactose intolerance is not an [[Food allergy|allergy]] because it is not an [[Immune system|immune response]] but rather a problem with digestion caused by lactase deficiency. [[Milk allergy]] is a separate condition with distinct symptoms that occurs when the presence of milk triggers an immune reaction.

==Symptoms==
The principal symptom of lactose intolerance is an adverse reaction to products containing lactose (primarily milk), including abdominal [[bloating]] and [[cramps]], [[flatulence]], [[diarrhea]], [[nausea]], [[borborygmi]] (rumbling stomach) and [[vomiting]] (particularly in [[adolescents]]). These appear thirty minutes to two hours after consumption.<ref name=NDDIC /> The severity of symptoms typically increases with the amount of lactose consumed, and most lactose intolerant people can tolerate a certain level of lactose in their diet without ill effect.<ref name="Savaiano and Levitt 1987" /><ref name="Madry et al 2011">{{cite doi|10.5114/pg.2011.25381}}</ref>

=== Nutritional implications ===
While dairy products can be a significant source of nutrients in some societies, there is no evidence that lactose intolerance has any adverse impact on nutrition where consumption is the norm among adults.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} Congenital lactase deficiency (CLD), where the production of lactase is inhibited from birth, can be dangerous in any society because of infants' nutritional reliance on [[Human breast milk|breast milk]] during their first months. Before the 20th century, babies born with CLD were not expected to survive,<ref name="Heyman 2006" /> but these death rates can now be lowered using [[soybean]]-derived [[infant formula]]s and manufactured lactose-free dairy products.<ref>name="Sinden, A.A 1991 Emedicine|PED|1270|Lactose Intolerance" Guandalini S, Frye R, Rivera-Hernández D, Miller L, Borowitz S</ref> Beyond infancy, individuals affected by CLD usually have the same nutritional concerns as any lactose intolerant adult.

==Causes==
Lactose intolerance is a consequence of lactase deficiency, which may be either genetic or environmentally induced, depending on whether it is [[#Terminology|primary, secondary, or congenital]]. In any case symptoms are caused by insufficient levels of the [[enzyme]] [[lactase]] in the lining of the [[duodenum]]. [[Lactose]], a [[disaccharide]] molecule found in milk and dairy products, cannot be directly absorbed through the wall of the small intestine into the bloodstream so, in the absence of lactase, passes intact into the [[Colon (anatomy)|colon]]. [[Gut flora|Bacteria]] in the colon are able to metabolise lactose and the resulting [[fermentation (biochemistry)|fermentation]] produces copious amounts of gas (a mixture of [[hydrogen]], [[carbon dioxide]] and [[methane]]) that causes the various abdominal symptoms. The unabsorbed sugars and fermentation products also raises the [[osmotic pressure]] of the colon, resulting in an increased flow of water into the bowels ([[diarrhea]]).<ref name="eMedicine overview">{{EMedicine|article|187249|Lactose intolerance|overview}}</ref>

== Diagnosis ==
To assess lactose intolerance, intestinal function is challenged by ingesting more dairy products than can be readily digested. Clinical symptoms typically appear within
30 minutes but may take up to 2 hours depending on other foods and activities.<ref>{{cite web |author=R. Bowen |title=Lactose Intolerance (Lactase Non-Persistence) |url=http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/smallgut/lactose_intol.html |date=December 28, 2006 |publisher=Colorado State University |work=Pathophysiology of the Digestive System}}</ref> Substantial variability in response (symptoms of nausea, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and flatulence) is to be expected as the extent and severity of lactose intolerance varies among individuals.

It is important to distinguish lactose intolerance from [[milk allergy]], an abnormal [[immune response]] (usually) to milk proteins. This may be done in diagnosis by giving lactose-free milk, producing no symptoms in the case of lactose intolerance but the same reaction as to normal milk if it is a milk allergy. An intermediate result might suggest that the person has both conditions. Since lactose intolerance is normal state for most adults worldwide it is not considered a disease and a medical diagnosis is not normally required. However if confirmation is necessary, four tests are available:

=== Hydrogen breath test ===
In a [[hydrogen breath test]], after an overnight fast, 25 [[gram]]s of lactose (in a solution with water) is swallowed. If the lactose cannot be digested, enteric bacteria metabolize it and produce [[hydrogen]] which, along with [[methane]] if produced, can be detected on the patient's breath by a clinical gas chromatograph or compact solid-state detector. The test takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete.

=== Blood test ===
In conjunction, measuring blood glucose level every 10 – 15 minutes after ingestion will show a "flat curve" in individuals with lactose malabsorption while the lactase persistent will have a significant "top", with a typical elevation of 50 to 100%, within 1 – 2 hours. However, due to the need for frequent blood sampling, this approach has been largely replaced by breath testing.

After an overnight fast, blood is drawn and then 50 [[gram]]s of lactose (in aqueous solution) is swallowed. Blood is then drawn again at the 30 minute, 1 hour, 2 hour, and 3 hour mark. If the lactose cannot be digested blood glucose levels will rise by less than 20&nbsp;mg/dL.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003500.htm|date=3-May-2011|title=Lactose tolerance tests}}</ref>

=== Stool acidity test ===
This test can be used to diagnose lactose intolerance in infants, for whom other forms of testing are risky or impractical.<ref>{{cite web |author=National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse |title=Lactose Intolerance -- How is lactose intolerance diagnosed? |url=http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/lactoseintolerance/#diagnosed |month=March | year=2006 |publisher= National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health}}</ref>
The infant is given lactose to drink. If the individual is tolerant, the lactose is digested and absorbed in the small intestine, otherwise it is not digested and absorbed and it reaches the colon. The bacteria in the colon, mixed with the lactose, cause acidity in stools. Stools passed after the ingestion of the lactose are tested for level of acidity. If the stools are acidic, the infant is intolerant to lactose.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stool Acidity Test|url=http://www.medicinenet.com/stool_acidity_test/article.htm#stool|publisher=Jay W. Marks, M.D.|accessdate=2011-05-20}}</ref>

=== Intestinal biopsy ===
An intestinal biopsy can confirm lactase deficiency following discovery of elevated hydrogen in the hydrogen breath test.<ref name="Berdanier">{{cite book |author=Hargrove, James L.; Berdanier, Carolyn D. |title=Nutrition and gene expression |publisher=CRC Press |location=Boca Raton |year=1993 |pages= |isbn=0-8493-6961-4 |oclc= |doi=}}</ref> Modern techniques have enabled a test to be performed at the patient's bedside identifying the presence/absence of the lactase enzyme in conjunction with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.<ref>Kuokkanen et al. (2006). A biopsy-based quick test in the diagnosis of duodenal hypolactasia in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Endoscopy; 38 (7): 708-712.</ref> However, for research applications such as [[mRNA]] measurements a specialist laboratory is required.

== Management ==
Lactose intolerance is not considered a condition that requires treatment in societies where the diet contains relatively little dairy. However those living among societies that are largely lactose-tolerant may find lactose intolerance troublesome. Although there are still no methodologies to reinstate lactase production, some individuals have reported that their intolerance varies over time depending on health status and pregnancy<ref>{{Emedicine|med|3429|Lactose Intolerance}} Roy, Barakat, Nwakakwa, Shojamanesh, Khurana, July 5, 2006</ref> About 44% of lactose intolerant women regain the ability to digest lactose during pregnancy. This might be caused by slow intestinal transit and intestinal flora changes during pregnancy.

Lactose intolerance is not usually an absolute condition: the reduction in lactase production, and the amount of lactose that can therefore be tolerated, varies from person to person. Since lactose intolerance poses no further threat to a person's health, the condition is managed by minimizing the occurrence and severity of symptoms. Berdanier and Hargrove recognise four general principles in dealing with lactose intolerance: avoidance of dietary lactose, substitution to maintain nutrient intake, regulation of calcium intake and use of enzyme substitute.<ref name="Berdanier"/>

=== Avoiding lactose-containing products ===
Since each individual's tolerance to lactose varies, according to the US [[National Institute of Health]], "Dietary control of lactose intolerance depends on people learning through trial and error how much lactose they can handle."<ref name=NDDIC>{{cite web |author=National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse |title=Lactose Intolerance |url=http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/lactoseintolerance/ |month=March | year=2006 |publisher=National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health}}</ref> Label reading is essential, as commercial terminology varies according to language and region.<ref name="Berdanier"/>

Lactose is present in two large food categories: conventional dairy products, and as a food additive (in dairy and non dairy products).

==== Dairy products ====
Lactose is a water-soluble substance. Fat content and the [[curd]]ling process affect tolerance of foods. After the [[curd]]ling process lactose is found in the water-based portion (along with [[whey]] and [[casein]]) but not in the fat-based portion. Dairy products that are "reduced-fat" or "fat-free" generally have slightly higher lactose content. [[diet food|Low-fat]] dairy foods also often have various dairy derivatives such as [[milk solids]] added, increasing the lactose content.

'''Milk''':
[[Human milk]] has a high lactose content, around 9%. Unprocessed cow milk is about 4.7% lactose. Unprocessed milk from other [[bovid]]s contains a similar fraction of lactose ([[goat milk]] 4.7%,<ref>[http://www.goatworld.com/articles/goatmilk/colostrum.shtml Composition of Human, Cow, and Goat Milks - Goat Milk - GOATWORLD.COM<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[Bovinae|buffalo]] 4.86%,<ref name="Peeva">{{cite journal |author=Peeva |title=Composition of buffalo milk. Sources of specific effects on the separate components |year=2001 |journal=Bulg. J. Agric. Sci. |volume=7 |pages=329–35 |url=http://bjas.hit.bg/07/693A.htm}}</ref> [[yak]] 4.93%,<ref>[http://jag.igr.poznan.pl/2004-Volume-45/2/pdf/2004_Volume_45_2-215-224.pdf C:\JAG2\Jiang.vp<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[sheep milk|sheep]] 4.6%)

'''Butter''':
The butter-making process separates the majority of milk's water components from the fat components. Lactose, being a water soluble molecule, will largely be removed, but will still be present in small quantities in the [[butter]] unless it is also fermented to produce cultured butter. [[Clarified butter]], however, contains very little lactose and is safe for most LI patients.

'''Yogurt''', '''Frozen Yogurt''' and [[kefir]]:
People can be more tolerant of traditionally made [[yogurt]] than milk because it contains lactase produced by the bacterial cultures used to make the yogurt. Frozen yogurt, if cultured similarly to its unfrozen counterpart, will contain similarly reduced lactose levels. However many commercial brands contain milk solids {{citation needed|date=February 2011}}, increasing the lactose content.

'''Cheeses''':
Traditionally made hard cheese (such as [[Emmental cheese|Emmental]]) and soft ripened cheeses may create less reaction than the equivalent amount of milk because of the processes involved. Fermentation and higher fat content contribute to lesser amounts of lactose. Traditionally made Emmental or [[Cheddar cheese|Cheddar]] might contain 10% of the lactose found in whole [[milk]]. In addition, the traditional aging methods of cheese (over 2 years) reduces their lactose content to practically nothing.<ref>http://www.ilovecheese.com/lactose_intolerant_faqs.asp</ref> Commercial cheese brands, however, are generally manufactured by modern processes that do not have the same lactose reducing properties, and as no regulations mandate what qualifies as an "aged" cheese, this description does not provide any indication of whether the process used significantly reduced lactose.

'''Soured cream''':
If made in the traditional way, this may be tolerable, but most modern brands add milk solids.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Reger, Combs, Coulter and Koch |title=A Comparison of Dry Sweet Cream Buttermilk and Non-Fat Dry Milk Solids in Breadmaking |url=http://jds.fass.org/cgi/content/abstract/34/2/136 |journal=Journal of Dairy Science |volume=34 |issue= 2 |pages=136–44 |date= February 1, 1951 |doi=10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(51)91682-7 }}</ref>

'''Examples of lactose levels in foods''':
As scientific consensus has not been reached concerning lactose content analysis methods <ref>[http://drinc.ucdavis.edu/goat1.htm Goat Milk Composition]</ref> (non-hydrated form or the mono-hydrated form), and considering that dairy content varies greatly according to labeling practices, geography and manufacturing processes, lactose numbers may not be very reliable. The following table contains a guide to the typical lactose levels found in various foods.<ref>http://www.gastro.net.au/diets/lactose.html</ref>

:{| class="wikitable"
! Dairy product !! Serving size !! Lactose content !! Percentage
|-
|Milk, regular
|align="right" | 250 ml
|align="right" | 12 g
|align="right" | 4.80%
|-
|Milk, reduced fat
|align="right" | 250 ml
|align="right" | 13 g
|align="right" | 5.20%
|-
|Yogurt, plain, regular
|align="right" | 200 g
|align="right" | 9 g
|align="right" | 4.50%
|-
|Yogurt, plain, low-fat
|align="right" | 200 g
|align="right" | 12 g
|align="right" | 6.00%
|-
|Cheddar cheese
|align="right" | 30 g
|align="right" | 0.02 g
|align="right" | 0.07%
|-
|Cottage cheese
|align="right" | 30 g
|align="right" | 0.1 g
|align="right" | 0.33%
|-
|Butter
|align="right" | 1 tsp (5.9ml)
|align="right" | 0.03 g
|align="right" | 0.51%
|-
|Ice cream
|align="right" | 50 g
|align="right" | 3 g
|align="right" | 6.00%
|-
|}

==== Lactose in non-dairy products ====
Lactose (also present when labels state [[lactoserum]], [[whey]], [[milk solids]], [[modified milk ingredients]], etc.) is a commercial [[food additive]] used for its texture, flavour and adhesive qualities, and is found in foods such as processed meats<ref name="OHSU">{{cite web |title=General guidelines for milk allergy |url=http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/health-information/topic-by-id.cfm?ContentTypeId=90&ContentId=P01696 |publisher=Oregon Health & Science University}}</ref> ([[sausage]]s/[[hot dog]]s, sliced meats, [[pâté]]s), gravy stock powder, [[margarine]]s,<ref>{{cite web |title=Margarine Regulations |url=http://www.gov.ns.ca/JUST/REGULATIONS/regs/marge.htm}}</ref> sliced [[bread]]s,<ref>{{cite web |title=Enriched White Bread in Canada |url=http://www.celiac.ca/Articles/PAB%20Enriching%20GF%20Foods.html |publisher=The Canadian Celiac Association}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Influence of Nonfat Dry Milk Solids on the Nutritive Value of Bread |url=http://jds.fass.org/cgi/content/abstract/29/12/821 |journal=Journal of Dairy Science |date= |volume=29 |issue=12 |pages=821–9 |author=Riggs, Lloyd K; Beaty, Annabel; Johnson, Arnold H |month=December |doi=10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(46)92546-5 }}</ref> breakfast cereals, [[potato chip]]s,<ref name="Bartek">{{cite web |title=Bartek, food additive company |url=http://www.bartek.ca/pdfs/Applications/SavouryProducts/SavourySnackFoods/Savoury%20Snack%20Foods%20Alphabetical%20List%20of%20Product%20Names.pdf |format=PDF}}</ref> [[Food processing|processed foods]], [[medication]]s, pre-prepared meals, meal replacement (powders and bars), protein supplements (powders and bars) and even [[beer]]s in the [[milk stout]] style. Some barbecue sauces and liquid cheeses used in fast-food restaurants may also contain lactose.

[[Kosher]] products labeled ''[[pareve]]'' or ''[[fleishig]]'' are free of milk. However, if a "D" (for "Dairy") is present next to the circled "K", "U", or other [[hechsher]], the food likely contains milk solids<ref name="OHSU"/> (although it may also simply indicate that the product was produced on equipment shared with other products containing milk derivatives).

==== Alternative products ====
[[Plant milk|Plant-based milks]] and derivatives are inherently lactose free: [[soy milk]], [[rice milk]], [[almond milk]], [[coconut milk]], [[hazelnut milk]], [[oat milk]], [[hemp milk]], [[peanut milk]], [[horchata]].

{{main|Milk#Reduction_or_elimination_of_lactose}}

The [[dairy industry]] has created low-lactose or lactose-free products to replace regular dairy products for those with lactose intolerance.

=== Lactase supplementation ===
When lactose avoidance is not possible, or on occasions when a person chooses to consume such items, then enzymatic [[lactase]] supplements may be used.<ref name="Montalto">{{cite journal |author=Montalto M, Curigliano V, Santoro L, ''et al.'' |title=Management and treatment of lactose malabsorption |journal=World J. Gastroenterol. |volume=12 |issue=2 |pages=187–91 |year=2006 |pmid=16482616 |doi= |url=http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/12/187.asp}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=He M, Yang Y, Bian L, Cui H |title=[Effect of exogenous lactase on the absorption of lactose and its intolerance symptoms] |language=Chinese |journal=Wei Sheng Yan Jiu |volume=28 |issue=5 |pages=309–11 |year=1999 |pmid=12712706 |doi=}}</ref>

Lactase enzymes similar to those produced in the small intestines of humans are produced industrially by [[fungi]] of the [[genus]] ''[[Aspergillus]]''. The enzyme, β-galactosidase, is available in tablet form in a variety of doses, in many countries without a prescription. It functions well only in high-acid environments, such as that found in the human gut due to the addition of gastric juices from the stomach. Unfortunately, too much acid can denature it,<ref>{{cite journal |author=O'Connell S, Walsh G |title=Physicochemical characteristics of commercial lactases relevant to their application in the alleviation of lactose intolerance |journal=Appl. Biochem. Biotechnol. |volume=134 |issue=2 |pages=179–91 |year=2006 |pmid=16943638| doi = 10.1385/ABAB:134:2:179}}</ref> and it therefore should not be taken on an empty stomach. Also, the enzyme is ineffective if it does not reach the small intestine by the time the problematic food does. Lactose-sensitive individuals can experiment with both timing and dosage to fit their particular needs.

While essentially the same process as normal intestinal lactose digestion, direct treatment of milk employs a different variety of industrially produced lactase. This enzyme, produced by [[yeast]] from the genus ''[[Kluyveromyces]]'', takes much longer to act, must be thoroughly mixed throughout the product, and is destroyed by even mildly acidic environments. Its main use is in producing the lactose-free or lactose-reduced dairy products sold in supermarkets.

Enzymatic lactase supplementation may have an advantage over avoiding dairy products, in that alternative provision does not need to be made to provide sufficient calcium intake, especially in children.<ref name="heyman">{{cite journal |author=Heyman MB |title=Lactose intolerance in infants, children, and adolescents |journal=Pediatrics |volume=118 |issue=3 |pages=1279–86 |year=2006 |pmid=16951027 |doi=10.1542/peds.2006-1721 |url=http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/118/3/1279 |first2=Nutrition |last2=Committee On}}</ref>

=== Rehabituation to dairy products ===
For healthy individuals with secondary lactose intolerance, it may be possible in some cases for the bacteria in the large intestine to adapt to an altered diet and break down small quantities of lactose more effectively<ref>[http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/agricultures/past/Spring1998/1998-Spring-Spotlights.pdf Lactose intolerant? Drink more milk] Steve Tally</ref> by habitually consuming small amounts of dairy products several times a day over a period of time. Reintroducing dairy in this way to people who have an underlying or chronic illness, however, is not recommended, as certain illnesses damage the [[intestinal tract]] in a way which prevents the [[lactase]] enzyme from being expressed.

Some studies indicate that environmental factors (more specifically, the consumption of lactose) may "play a more important role than genetic factors in the etio-pathogenesis of milk intolerance",<ref name="Yoshida">{{cite journal |author=Yoshida Y, Sasaki G, Goto S, Yanagiya S, Takashina K |title=Studies on the etiology of milk intolerance in Japanese adults |journal=Gastroenterol. Jpn. |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=29–34 |year=1975 |pmid=1234085 |doi=}}</ref> but some other publications suggest that [[lactase]] production does not seem to be induced by dairy/lactose consumption.<ref>[http://www.foodreactions.org/intolerance/lactose/prevalence.html Prevalence, Age & Genetics of Lactose Intolerance] - foodreactions.org</ref>{{Unreliable medical source|date=February 2012}}

==Lactase persistence==
{{main|Lactase persistence}}
Lactase persistence is the [[phenotype]] associated with various [[autosomal dominant]] alleles prolonging the activity of lactase beyond infancy; conversely, lactase non-persistence is the phenotype associated with primary lactase deficiency (see above). Among mammals, lactase persistence is unique to humans – it evolved relatively recently (in the last 10,000 years) among some populations, and the majority of people worldwide remain lactase non-persistent.<ref name="Swallow 2003" /> For this reason lactase persistence is of some interest to the fields of [[anthropology]] and [[human genetics]], which typically use the genetically-derived persistence/non-persistence terminology.

Recognition of the extent and genetic basis of lactose intolerance is relatively recent. Though its symptoms were described as early as [[Hippocrates]] (460-370 B.C.),<ref>{{cite journal |author=Wilson J |title=Milk Intolerance: Lactose Intolerance and Cow's Milk Protein Allergy |journal=Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews |month=December | year=2005 |volume=5 |issue=4 |pages=203–7 |doi=10.1053/j.nainr.2005.08.004}}</ref> until the 1960s the prevailing assumption in the medical community was that tolerance was the norm and intolerance either the result of [[milk allergy]], an intestinal [[pathogen]], or else was [[psychosomatic]] (it being recognised that some cultures did not practice dairying, and people from those cultures often reacted badly to consuming milk).<ref>Auricchio, S., Rubino, A., Landolt, M., Semenza, G. and Prader, A. 1963. Isolated intestinal lactase deficiency in the adult. ''Lancet'' 280(7303): 324–326.</ref><ref name="Simoons 1969">Simoons, F. J. 1969. Primary adult lactose intolerance and the milking habit: A problem in biological and cultural interrelations. I. Review of the medical research. ''Digestive Diseases and Sciences'' 14(12): 819–836.</ref> There were two reasons for this perception. Firstly, many Western countries have a predominantly European heritage, and so have low frequences of lactose intolerance,<ref name="Itan et al. 2010">{{Cite doi|10.1186/1471-2148-10-36}}</ref> and have an extensive cultural history of dairying. Therefore, tolerance actually was the norm in most of the societies investigated by medical researchers at that point. Secondly, within even these societies lactose intolerance tends to be under-reported: genetically lactase non-persistent individuals can tolerate varying quantities of lactose before showing symptoms, and their symptoms differ in severity. Most are able to digest a small quantity of milk, for example in tea or coffee, without suffering any adverse effects.<ref name="Savaiano and Levitt 1987">Savaiano, D. A. and Levitt, M. D. 1987. Milk intolerance and microbe-containing dairy foods. Journal of Dairy Science 70(2): 397–406.</ref> [[Fermented milk products|Fermented dairy products]], such as cheese, also contain dramatically less lactose than plain milk. Therefore in societies where tolerance is the norm many people who consume only small amounts of dairy or have only mild symptoms, may be unaware that they cannot digest lactose. Eventually, however, it was recognised that in the [[United States]] lactose intolerance is correlated with [[race (classification of humans)|race]].<ref>Bayless, T. M. and Rosensweig, N. S. 1966. A Racial Difference in Incidence of Lactase Deficiency: A Survey of Milk Intolerance and Lactase Deficiency in Healthy Adult Males. ''Journal of the American Medical Association'' 197(12): 968–972.</ref><ref>Welsh, J. D., Rohrer, V., Knudsen, K. B. and Paustian, F. F. 1967. Isolated Lactase Deficiency: Correlation of Laboratory Studies and Clinical Data. ''Archives of Internal Medlit'' 120(3): 261–269.</ref><ref>Huang, S. S. and Bayless, T. M. 1968. Milk and Lactose Intolerance in Healthy Orientals. ''Science'' 160(3823): 83–84.</ref> Subsequent research revealed that intolerance was the worldwide norm,<ref>Cook, G. C. and Kajubi, S. K. 1966. Tribal Incidence of Lactase Deficiency in Uganda. ''Lancet'' 287(7440): 725–730.</ref><ref>Jersky, J. and Kinsley, R. H. 1967. Lactase Deficiency in the South African Bantu. ''South African Medical Journal'' 41(Dec): 1194–1196.</ref><ref>Bolin T. D., Crane G. G. and Davis A. E. 1968. Lactose intolerance in various ethnic groups in South-East Asia. ''Australasian Annals of Medicine'' 17(4): 300–306.</ref><ref>Flatz, G. 1969. Lactose Intolerance in Thailand. ''Nature'' 221(5182): 758–759.</ref><ref>Elliott, R. B., Maxwell, G. M. and Vawser, N. 1967. Lactose maldigestion in Australian Aboriginal children. ''Medical Journal of Australia'' 1(2): 46–49.</ref> and that the variation was genetic.<ref name="Simoons 1969" /><ref>Flatz, G. and Rotthauwe, H. W. 1971. Evidence against nutritional adaption of tolerance to lactose. ''Human Genetics'' 13(2): 118–125.</ref> However, as yet there is no comprehensive understanding of either the global distribution of lactase persistence, the number of alleles that cause it, or the reasons for its recent [[selection]].<ref name="Swallow 2003" />

== See also ==
* [[Dairy allergy]]
* [[Food allergy]]
* [[Gastroenterology]]
* [[Gluten intolerance]]
* [[Soy cheese]]
* [[Soy milk]] and [[Plant milk]]
* [[Sucrose intolerance]]

== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

== References ==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |title=Paediat. IV. Carbohydrate Metabolism in Children |editor=Ed. E. Rossi, E. Gautier, and J. W. Weber |chapter=Lactosurie et saccharosurie |author=Durand, P. |publisher=Basel |year=1959 |pages=496–502}}
* {{cite journal |author=Holzel A, Schwarz V, Sutcliffe KW |title=Defective lactose absorption causing malnutrition in infancy |journal=Lancet |volume=1 |issue=7083 |pages=1126–8 |year=1959 |pmid=13665980 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(59)90710-X}}
* {{cite journal |author=Carroccio A, Montalto G, Cavera G, Notarbatolo A |title=Lactose intolerance and self-reported milk intolerance: relationship with lactose maldigestion and nutrient intake. Lactase Deficiency Study Group |journal=J Am Coll Nutr |volume=17 |issue=6 |pages=631–6 |year=1998 |pmid=9853544 |doi= |url=http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/full/17/6/631}}
* {{cite book |author=McGee, Harold |title=On food and cooking: the science and lore of the kitchen |publisher=Scribner |location=New York |year=2004 |pages=14–15 |chapter=Milk after infancy: dealing with lactose |isbn=0-684-80001-2 |oclc= |doi=}}
* {{cite journal |author=Rusynyk RA, Still CD |title=Lactose intolerance |journal=J Am Osteopath Assoc |volume=101 |issue=4 Suppl Pt 1 |pages=S10–2 |year=2001 |pmid=11392211 |doi= |url=http://www.jaoa.org/cgi/reprint/101/4_suppl_1/10S | format=PDF}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
* [http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/science/02evo.html?8dpc Human Culture, an Evolutionary Force]
* [[wikihow:Live-Without-Dairy-Products|Wiki on living without dairy products]]

{{Gastroenterology}}
{{Carbohydrate metabolic pathology}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lactose intolerance}}
[[Category:Inborn errors of carbohydrate metabolism]]
[[Category:Milk]]
[[Category:Conditions diagnosed by stool test]]

[[ar:عدم تحمل اللاكتوز]]
[[bg:Лактозна толерантност]]
[[ca:Intolerància a la lactosa]]
[[cs:Intolerance laktózy]]
[[da:Laktoseintolerans]]
[[de:Laktoseintoleranz]]
[[el:Δυσανεξία στη λακτόζη]]
[[es:Intolerancia a la lactosa]]
[[eo:Netolereco de laktozo]]
[[fa:عدم تحمل لاکتوز]]
[[fr:Intolérance au lactose]]
[[ko:젖당못견딤증]]
[[id:Intoleransi laktosa]]
[[is:Mjólkuróþol]]
[[it:Intolleranza al lattosio]]
[[he:רגישות ללקטוז]]
[[hu:Laktózérzékenység]]
[[mr:दधिभक्षणदोष]]
[[nl:Lactose-intolerantie]]
[[ja:乳糖不耐症]]
[[no:Laktoseintoleranse]]
[[pl:Nietolerancja laktozy]]
[[pt:Intolerância à lactose]]
[[ru:Непереносимость лактозы]]
[[simple:Lactose intolerance]]
[[fi:Laktoosi-intoleranssi]]
[[sv:Laktosintolerans]]
[[ta:முலைப்பால் வெல்லம் தாளாமை]]
[[th:ภาวะไม่ทนต่อแล็กโทส]]
[[uk:Непереносимість лактози]]
[[zh-yue:乳糖消化不良]]
[[zh:乳糖不耐症]]

Revision as of 14:13, 9 May 2012

Lactose intolerance
SpecialtyEndocrinology Edit this on Wikidata
Frequency65%, 10%

Lactose intolerance, also called lactase deficiency and hypolactasia, is the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and to a lesser extent milk-derived dairy products.

Lactose intolerant individuals have insufficient levels of lactase, the enzyme that metabolizes lactose into glucose and galactose, in their digestive system. In most cases this causes symptoms such as abdominal bloating and cramps, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, borborygmi (rumbling stomach) and/or vomiting[1] after consuming significant amounts of lactose.

Most mammals normally become lactose intolerant after weaning, but some human populations have developed lactase persistence, in which lactase production continues into adulthood. It is estimated that 75% of adults worldwide show some decrease in lactase activity during adulthood.[2] The frequency of decreased lactase activity ranges from 5% in northern Europe through 71% for Sicily to more than 90% in some African and Asian countries.[3]

Terminology

"Lactose intolerance" primarily refers to a syndrome having one or more symptoms upon the consumption of food substances containing lactose. Individuals may be lactose intolerant to varying degrees, depending on the severity of these symptoms. "Lactose malabsorption" refers to the physiological concomitant of lactase deficiency (i.e. the body does not have sufficient lactase capacity to digest the amount of lactose ingested).[4] A medical condition with similar symptoms is fructose malabsorption.

Lactase deficiency has a number of causes, and is therefore classified as one of three types:

  • Primary lactase deficiency is genetic, only affects adults and is caused by the absence of a lactase persistence allele.[4][5] It is the most common cause of lactose intolerance as a majority of the world's population lacks these alleles.[6]
  • Secondary, acquired, or transient lactase deficiency is caused by an injury to the small intestine, usually during infancy, from acute gastroenteritis, diarrhea, chemotherapy, intestinal parasites or other environmental causes.[4][7][8][9]
  • Congenital lactase deficiency is a very rare, autosomal recessive genetic disorder that prevents lactase expression from birth.[4] It is particularly common in Finland.[10] People with congenital lactase deficiency are thus unable to digest lactose from birth, and they are unable to digest breast milk.

Lactose intolerance is not an allergy because it is not an immune response but rather a problem with digestion caused by lactase deficiency. Milk allergy is a separate condition with distinct symptoms that occurs when the presence of milk triggers an immune reaction.

Symptoms

The principal symptom of lactose intolerance is an adverse reaction to products containing lactose (primarily milk), including abdominal bloating and cramps, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, borborygmi (rumbling stomach) and vomiting (particularly in adolescents). These appear thirty minutes to two hours after consumption.[1] The severity of symptoms typically increases with the amount of lactose consumed, and most lactose intolerant people can tolerate a certain level of lactose in their diet without ill effect.[11][12]

Nutritional implications

While dairy products can be a significant source of nutrients in some societies, there is no evidence that lactose intolerance has any adverse impact on nutrition where consumption is the norm among adults.[citation needed] Congenital lactase deficiency (CLD), where the production of lactase is inhibited from birth, can be dangerous in any society because of infants' nutritional reliance on breast milk during their first months. Before the 20th century, babies born with CLD were not expected to survive,[4] but these death rates can now be lowered using soybean-derived infant formulas and manufactured lactose-free dairy products.[13] Beyond infancy, individuals affected by CLD usually have the same nutritional concerns as any lactose intolerant adult.

Causes

Lactose intolerance is a consequence of lactase deficiency, which may be either genetic or environmentally induced, depending on whether it is primary, secondary, or congenital. In any case symptoms are caused by insufficient levels of the enzyme lactase in the lining of the duodenum. Lactose, a disaccharide molecule found in milk and dairy products, cannot be directly absorbed through the wall of the small intestine into the bloodstream so, in the absence of lactase, passes intact into the colon. Bacteria in the colon are able to metabolise lactose and the resulting fermentation produces copious amounts of gas (a mixture of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane) that causes the various abdominal symptoms. The unabsorbed sugars and fermentation products also raises the osmotic pressure of the colon, resulting in an increased flow of water into the bowels (diarrhea).[14]

Diagnosis

To assess lactose intolerance, intestinal function is challenged by ingesting more dairy products than can be readily digested. Clinical symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes but may take up to 2 hours depending on other foods and activities.[15] Substantial variability in response (symptoms of nausea, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and flatulence) is to be expected as the extent and severity of lactose intolerance varies among individuals.

It is important to distinguish lactose intolerance from milk allergy, an abnormal immune response (usually) to milk proteins. This may be done in diagnosis by giving lactose-free milk, producing no symptoms in the case of lactose intolerance but the same reaction as to normal milk if it is a milk allergy. An intermediate result might suggest that the person has both conditions. Since lactose intolerance is normal state for most adults worldwide it is not considered a disease and a medical diagnosis is not normally required. However if confirmation is necessary, four tests are available:

Hydrogen breath test

In a hydrogen breath test, after an overnight fast, 25 grams of lactose (in a solution with water) is swallowed. If the lactose cannot be digested, enteric bacteria metabolize it and produce hydrogen which, along with methane if produced, can be detected on the patient's breath by a clinical gas chromatograph or compact solid-state detector. The test takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete.

Blood test

In conjunction, measuring blood glucose level every 10 – 15 minutes after ingestion will show a "flat curve" in individuals with lactose malabsorption while the lactase persistent will have a significant "top", with a typical elevation of 50 to 100%, within 1 – 2 hours. However, due to the need for frequent blood sampling, this approach has been largely replaced by breath testing.

After an overnight fast, blood is drawn and then 50 grams of lactose (in aqueous solution) is swallowed. Blood is then drawn again at the 30 minute, 1 hour, 2 hour, and 3 hour mark. If the lactose cannot be digested blood glucose levels will rise by less than 20 mg/dL.[16]

Stool acidity test

This test can be used to diagnose lactose intolerance in infants, for whom other forms of testing are risky or impractical.[17] The infant is given lactose to drink. If the individual is tolerant, the lactose is digested and absorbed in the small intestine, otherwise it is not digested and absorbed and it reaches the colon. The bacteria in the colon, mixed with the lactose, cause acidity in stools. Stools passed after the ingestion of the lactose are tested for level of acidity. If the stools are acidic, the infant is intolerant to lactose.[18]

Intestinal biopsy

An intestinal biopsy can confirm lactase deficiency following discovery of elevated hydrogen in the hydrogen breath test.[19] Modern techniques have enabled a test to be performed at the patient's bedside identifying the presence/absence of the lactase enzyme in conjunction with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.[20] However, for research applications such as mRNA measurements a specialist laboratory is required.

Management

Lactose intolerance is not considered a condition that requires treatment in societies where the diet contains relatively little dairy. However those living among societies that are largely lactose-tolerant may find lactose intolerance troublesome. Although there are still no methodologies to reinstate lactase production, some individuals have reported that their intolerance varies over time depending on health status and pregnancy[21] About 44% of lactose intolerant women regain the ability to digest lactose during pregnancy. This might be caused by slow intestinal transit and intestinal flora changes during pregnancy.

Lactose intolerance is not usually an absolute condition: the reduction in lactase production, and the amount of lactose that can therefore be tolerated, varies from person to person. Since lactose intolerance poses no further threat to a person's health, the condition is managed by minimizing the occurrence and severity of symptoms. Berdanier and Hargrove recognise four general principles in dealing with lactose intolerance: avoidance of dietary lactose, substitution to maintain nutrient intake, regulation of calcium intake and use of enzyme substitute.[19]

Avoiding lactose-containing products

Since each individual's tolerance to lactose varies, according to the US National Institute of Health, "Dietary control of lactose intolerance depends on people learning through trial and error how much lactose they can handle."[1] Label reading is essential, as commercial terminology varies according to language and region.[19]

Lactose is present in two large food categories: conventional dairy products, and as a food additive (in dairy and non dairy products).

Dairy products

Lactose is a water-soluble substance. Fat content and the curdling process affect tolerance of foods. After the curdling process lactose is found in the water-based portion (along with whey and casein) but not in the fat-based portion. Dairy products that are "reduced-fat" or "fat-free" generally have slightly higher lactose content. Low-fat dairy foods also often have various dairy derivatives such as milk solids added, increasing the lactose content.

Milk: Human milk has a high lactose content, around 9%. Unprocessed cow milk is about 4.7% lactose. Unprocessed milk from other bovids contains a similar fraction of lactose (goat milk 4.7%,[22] buffalo 4.86%,[23] yak 4.93%,[24] sheep 4.6%)

Butter: The butter-making process separates the majority of milk's water components from the fat components. Lactose, being a water soluble molecule, will largely be removed, but will still be present in small quantities in the butter unless it is also fermented to produce cultured butter. Clarified butter, however, contains very little lactose and is safe for most LI patients.

Yogurt, Frozen Yogurt and kefir: People can be more tolerant of traditionally made yogurt than milk because it contains lactase produced by the bacterial cultures used to make the yogurt. Frozen yogurt, if cultured similarly to its unfrozen counterpart, will contain similarly reduced lactose levels. However many commercial brands contain milk solids [citation needed], increasing the lactose content.

Cheeses: Traditionally made hard cheese (such as Emmental) and soft ripened cheeses may create less reaction than the equivalent amount of milk because of the processes involved. Fermentation and higher fat content contribute to lesser amounts of lactose. Traditionally made Emmental or Cheddar might contain 10% of the lactose found in whole milk. In addition, the traditional aging methods of cheese (over 2 years) reduces their lactose content to practically nothing.[25] Commercial cheese brands, however, are generally manufactured by modern processes that do not have the same lactose reducing properties, and as no regulations mandate what qualifies as an "aged" cheese, this description does not provide any indication of whether the process used significantly reduced lactose.

Soured cream: If made in the traditional way, this may be tolerable, but most modern brands add milk solids.[26]

Examples of lactose levels in foods: As scientific consensus has not been reached concerning lactose content analysis methods [27] (non-hydrated form or the mono-hydrated form), and considering that dairy content varies greatly according to labeling practices, geography and manufacturing processes, lactose numbers may not be very reliable. The following table contains a guide to the typical lactose levels found in various foods.[28]

Dairy product Serving size Lactose content Percentage
Milk, regular 250 ml 12 g 4.80%
Milk, reduced fat 250 ml 13 g 5.20%
Yogurt, plain, regular 200 g 9 g 4.50%
Yogurt, plain, low-fat 200 g 12 g 6.00%
Cheddar cheese 30 g 0.02 g 0.07%
Cottage cheese 30 g 0.1 g 0.33%
Butter 1 tsp (5.9ml) 0.03 g 0.51%
Ice cream 50 g 3 g 6.00%

Lactose in non-dairy products

Lactose (also present when labels state lactoserum, whey, milk solids, modified milk ingredients, etc.) is a commercial food additive used for its texture, flavour and adhesive qualities, and is found in foods such as processed meats[29] (sausages/hot dogs, sliced meats, pâtés), gravy stock powder, margarines,[30] sliced breads,[31][32] breakfast cereals, potato chips,[33] processed foods, medications, pre-prepared meals, meal replacement (powders and bars), protein supplements (powders and bars) and even beers in the milk stout style. Some barbecue sauces and liquid cheeses used in fast-food restaurants may also contain lactose.

Kosher products labeled pareve or fleishig are free of milk. However, if a "D" (for "Dairy") is present next to the circled "K", "U", or other hechsher, the food likely contains milk solids[29] (although it may also simply indicate that the product was produced on equipment shared with other products containing milk derivatives).

Alternative products

Plant-based milks and derivatives are inherently lactose free: soy milk, rice milk, almond milk, coconut milk, hazelnut milk, oat milk, hemp milk, peanut milk, horchata.

The dairy industry has created low-lactose or lactose-free products to replace regular dairy products for those with lactose intolerance.

Lactase supplementation

When lactose avoidance is not possible, or on occasions when a person chooses to consume such items, then enzymatic lactase supplements may be used.[34][35]

Lactase enzymes similar to those produced in the small intestines of humans are produced industrially by fungi of the genus Aspergillus. The enzyme, β-galactosidase, is available in tablet form in a variety of doses, in many countries without a prescription. It functions well only in high-acid environments, such as that found in the human gut due to the addition of gastric juices from the stomach. Unfortunately, too much acid can denature it,[36] and it therefore should not be taken on an empty stomach. Also, the enzyme is ineffective if it does not reach the small intestine by the time the problematic food does. Lactose-sensitive individuals can experiment with both timing and dosage to fit their particular needs.

While essentially the same process as normal intestinal lactose digestion, direct treatment of milk employs a different variety of industrially produced lactase. This enzyme, produced by yeast from the genus Kluyveromyces, takes much longer to act, must be thoroughly mixed throughout the product, and is destroyed by even mildly acidic environments. Its main use is in producing the lactose-free or lactose-reduced dairy products sold in supermarkets.

Enzymatic lactase supplementation may have an advantage over avoiding dairy products, in that alternative provision does not need to be made to provide sufficient calcium intake, especially in children.[37]

Rehabituation to dairy products

For healthy individuals with secondary lactose intolerance, it may be possible in some cases for the bacteria in the large intestine to adapt to an altered diet and break down small quantities of lactose more effectively[38] by habitually consuming small amounts of dairy products several times a day over a period of time. Reintroducing dairy in this way to people who have an underlying or chronic illness, however, is not recommended, as certain illnesses damage the intestinal tract in a way which prevents the lactase enzyme from being expressed.

Some studies indicate that environmental factors (more specifically, the consumption of lactose) may "play a more important role than genetic factors in the etio-pathogenesis of milk intolerance",[39] but some other publications suggest that lactase production does not seem to be induced by dairy/lactose consumption.[40][unreliable medical source?]

Lactase persistence

Lactase persistence is the phenotype associated with various autosomal dominant alleles prolonging the activity of lactase beyond infancy; conversely, lactase non-persistence is the phenotype associated with primary lactase deficiency (see above). Among mammals, lactase persistence is unique to humans – it evolved relatively recently (in the last 10,000 years) among some populations, and the majority of people worldwide remain lactase non-persistent.[6] For this reason lactase persistence is of some interest to the fields of anthropology and human genetics, which typically use the genetically-derived persistence/non-persistence terminology.

Recognition of the extent and genetic basis of lactose intolerance is relatively recent. Though its symptoms were described as early as Hippocrates (460-370 B.C.),[41] until the 1960s the prevailing assumption in the medical community was that tolerance was the norm and intolerance either the result of milk allergy, an intestinal pathogen, or else was psychosomatic (it being recognised that some cultures did not practice dairying, and people from those cultures often reacted badly to consuming milk).[42][43] There were two reasons for this perception. Firstly, many Western countries have a predominantly European heritage, and so have low frequences of lactose intolerance,[44] and have an extensive cultural history of dairying. Therefore, tolerance actually was the norm in most of the societies investigated by medical researchers at that point. Secondly, within even these societies lactose intolerance tends to be under-reported: genetically lactase non-persistent individuals can tolerate varying quantities of lactose before showing symptoms, and their symptoms differ in severity. Most are able to digest a small quantity of milk, for example in tea or coffee, without suffering any adverse effects.[11] Fermented dairy products, such as cheese, also contain dramatically less lactose than plain milk. Therefore in societies where tolerance is the norm many people who consume only small amounts of dairy or have only mild symptoms, may be unaware that they cannot digest lactose. Eventually, however, it was recognised that in the United States lactose intolerance is correlated with race.[45][46][47] Subsequent research revealed that intolerance was the worldwide norm,[48][49][50][51][52] and that the variation was genetic.[43][53] However, as yet there is no comprehensive understanding of either the global distribution of lactase persistence, the number of alleles that cause it, or the reasons for its recent selection.[6]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c "Lactose Intolerance". National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). NIDDK. Retrieved 29 November 2011. Cite error: The named reference "NDDIC" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  2. ^ Pribila, BA; Hertzler, SR; Martin, BR; Weaver, CM; Savaiano, DA (2000). "Improved lactose digestion and intolerance among African-American adolescent girls fed a dairy-rich diet". Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 100 (5): 524–8, quiz 529–30. doi:10.1016/S0002-8223(00)00162-0. PMID 10812376. Retrieved 2009-02-03. Approximately 75% of the world's population loses the ability to completely digest a physiological dose of lactose after infancy
  3. ^ Bulhões, A.C.; Goldani, H.A.S.; Oliveira, F.S.; Matte, U.S.; Mazzuca, R.B.; Silveira, T.R. (2007). "Correlation between lactose absorption and the C/T-13910 and G/A-22018 mutations of the lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (LCT) gene in adult-type hypolactasia". Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research. 40 (11): 1441–6. doi:10.1590/S0100-879X2007001100004. PMID 17934640.
  4. ^ a b c d e Attention: This template ({{cite doi}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by doi:10.1542/peds.2006-1721, please use {{cite journal}} (if it was published in a bona fide academic journal, otherwise {{cite report}} with |doi=10.1542/peds.2006-1721 instead.
  5. ^ Enattah NS, Sahi T, Savilahti E, Terwilliger JD, Peltonen L, Järvelä I (2002). "Identification of a variant associated with adult-type hypolactasia". Nat. Genet. 30 (2): 233–7. doi:10.1038/ng826. PMID 11788828.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ a b c Attention: This template ({{cite doi}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by doi:10.1146/annurev.genet.37.110801.143820, please use {{cite journal}} (if it was published in a bona fide academic journal, otherwise {{cite report}} with |doi=10.1146/annurev.genet.37.110801.143820 instead.
  7. ^ Swagerty DL, Walling AD, Klein RM (2002). "Lactose intolerance". Am Fam Physician. 65 (9): 1845–50. PMID 12018807.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Lawson, Margaret; Bentley, Donald; Lifschitz, Carlos (2002). Pediatric gastroenterology and clinical nutrition. London: Remedica. p. 109. ISBN 978-1-901346-43-5.
  9. ^ Pediatric Lactose Intolerance at eMedicine
  10. ^ Behrendt, M; Kelser, M; Hoch, M; Naim, H.Y. “Impaired trafficking and Subcellular Localization of a Mutant Lactase associated with congenital Lactase Deficiency”. Gastroenterology.2009. Vol.136(7). P2295-2303.
  11. ^ a b Savaiano, D. A. and Levitt, M. D. 1987. Milk intolerance and microbe-containing dairy foods. Journal of Dairy Science 70(2): 397–406.
  12. ^ Attention: This template ({{cite doi}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by doi:10.5114/pg.2011.25381, please use {{cite journal}} (if it was published in a bona fide academic journal, otherwise {{cite report}} with |doi=10.5114/pg.2011.25381 instead.
  13. ^ name="Sinden, A.A 1991 Emedicine|PED|1270|Lactose Intolerance" Guandalini S, Frye R, Rivera-Hernández D, Miller L, Borowitz S
  14. ^ Lactose intolerance~overview at eMedicine
  15. ^ R. Bowen (December 28, 2006). "Lactose Intolerance (Lactase Non-Persistence)". Pathophysiology of the Digestive System. Colorado State University.
  16. ^ "Lactose tolerance tests". 3-May-2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (2006). "Lactose Intolerance -- How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?". National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  18. ^ "Stool Acidity Test". Jay W. Marks, M.D. Retrieved 2011-05-20.
  19. ^ a b c Hargrove, James L.; Berdanier, Carolyn D. (1993). Nutrition and gene expression. Boca Raton: CRC Press. ISBN 0-8493-6961-4.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  20. ^ Kuokkanen et al. (2006). A biopsy-based quick test in the diagnosis of duodenal hypolactasia in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Endoscopy; 38 (7): 708-712.
  21. ^ Lactose Intolerance at eMedicine Roy, Barakat, Nwakakwa, Shojamanesh, Khurana, July 5, 2006
  22. ^ Composition of Human, Cow, and Goat Milks - Goat Milk - GOATWORLD.COM
  23. ^ Peeva (2001). "Composition of buffalo milk. Sources of specific effects on the separate components". Bulg. J. Agric. Sci. 7: 329–35.
  24. ^ C:\JAG2\Jiang.vp
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References