Lactose Intolerance Malabsorption: Symptoms & Diet
Lactose intolerance is the body 's inability to digest a sugar called lactose predominantly found in milk and other dairy products. This inability is a result of the body 's failure to produce enough of the enzyme lactase . Lactose intolerance is a fairly common disorder. An estimated thirty to fifty million Americans have some degree of lactose intolerance. The severity of lactose intolerance varies among individuals. Some people can ingest small amounts of milk and cheese without exhibiting symptoms. Others may ingest certain products containing lactose (such as ice cream) without problems while other lactose-containing foods generate extreme discomfort. What Does Lactase Do? Lactase is an enzyme produced by the small intestine to break down lactose (a complex sugar). If the body is able to produce enough lactase, the lactose is broken down into simple sugars, glucose and galactose , which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Various cells in...