Lactose Intolerance Research Paper

Words: 500
Pages: 2

Lactose intolerance is defined as “a condition in which people have digestive symptoms, such as bloating, diarrhea, and gas, after eating or drinking milk or milk products” (www.niddk.nih.gov). Lactose is a sugar found in milk and milk products www.medlineplus.gov), which makes it the major carbohydrate and unique to most mammals. Lactose is a disaccharide made from two monosaccharide called D-Glucose and D-Galactose. Lactase, an enzyme found in the intestines, is responsible for converting the galactose into another glucose, making it a great source of energy for neonates ( ansci.illinois.edu ). The sugar is the major osmole of milk; meaning it is the component that pulls water into the mammary glands. This condition can be caused by either a Lactase deficiency or Lactose malabsorption (the deficiency may cause the malabsorption), and the undigested lactose is broken down by bacteria in the colon leading to gas and fluid buildup. Not all people with Lactase deficiency or malabsorption show digestive symptoms. …show more content…
Ethnicities who are more likely to have or develop a lactose intolerance are Hispanics, African Americans, American Indians and Asian Americans (www.niddk.nih.gov ). The symptoms of Lactose intolerance include abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, nausea and/or vomiting, gas and diarrhea. Patients can begin to experience symptoms between 30 minutes and two hours after lactose consumption, depending on the amount of milk products consumed and the amount the patient can