Abstract
Lactose is a disaccharide found in dairy products and breast milk. It is broken down in the small intestine in a reaction catalyzed by the lactase enzyme. Lactose intolerance is a condition in which there is either insufficient lactase levels, hypolactasia, or a complete absence of lactase, alactasia. The three types of lactose intolerance are congenital, primary late onset, and secondary. These conditions can be diagnosed by a variety of tests, including a hydrogen breath test, genetic testing, and a small intestinal biopsy. Lactose intolerance can be treated by a strict lactose-free diet, a low-lactose diet, lactase supplements, or probiotic supplements. The appropriate treatment is selected based on the type of lactose intolerance.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Title of host publication | Nutrients in Dairy and their Implications for Health and Disease |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Pages | 205-211 |
Number of pages | 7 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128097625 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780128097632 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2017 |
Keywords
- Alactasia
- Hypolactasia
- Lactase
- Lactose
- Lactose intolerance
- Primary late onset hypolactasia
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health Professions(all)
- Medicine(all)