MEDICAL DICTIONARY
Lactose intolerance : Inability to digest lactose, a component of milk and most other dairy products. Lactose is sometimes also used as an ingredient in other foods, so those with a lactase deficiency should check labels carefully.
The basis for this condition is lack of an enzyme called lactase in the small intestine. Lactase is essential to digest lactose. Without enough lactase, there is lactose intolerance .
Most people are born with the ability to make adequate amounts of lactase, but lactase production normally decreases with age, more so in some persons than others. There are significant differences relative to lactase production among ethnic groups.
Inadequate lactase production can cause difficulty digesting lactose-containing products, which include dairy products themselves and foods containing dairy products as ingredients.
The most common symptoms of lactase deficiency are diarrhea , bloating, and gas. The diagnosis may be made by a trial of a lactose-free diet or by special testing. In some cases, other diseases of the intestine may need to be excluded by further medical evaluation.
|
DISCLAIMER:
Information on this site is provided for informational
purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice
provided by your own physician or other medical professional.
You should not use the information contained herein
for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease,
or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully
all product packaging. Not all Canadian drugs, Canada
prescription and Canadian prescription medicine is available
at discount Canadian on line pharmacies. If you have
or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly
contact your health care provider. Information and statements
regarding diet supplements have not been evaluated by
Health Canada and are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease. All trade and service
marks mentioned on this site are recognized as belonging
to their respective owners.
|
|
|
|
