Lactose Intolerance

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.