Lactose

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All new-borns can digest lactose, however, whether a person can continue to digest lactose into adulthood is related to the genetic trait of lactase (enzyme that breaks down lactose) persistence. Only 25% to 33% have lactase persistence, though lactase deficiency or lactase non-persistence varies depending on population origin, for example in Asian countries up to 90% have lactase non-persistence, in African countries 65 to 75%, in Mediterranean countries 40%, and in Central and Northern-European countries 2 to 20%.

Lactose intolerance is not to be confused with cow’s milk protein (whey and/or casein) allergy. Symptoms due to cow’s milk protein allergy will be more severe than lactose intolerance including skin lesions, respiratory distress, gastrointestinal symptoms including rectal blood loss and severe diarrhoea and anaphylaxis, due to Immunoglobulin E and non-Immunoglobulin E mediated immune system reactions.

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According to the NHS, symptoms of lactose intolerance can include tummy pain or discomfort, bloating, farting, diarrhoea or constipation and feeling sick or being sick. (2)

Food intolerances are different to food allergies. Food allergies involve struggling to breathe, itchy skin, and swelling of the lips, face and eyes. A food allergy can be life threatening. (2)

Lactose intolerance is also different to IBS. If you are only intolerant to lactose and nothing else affects you, you are likely to be suffering from lactose intolerance. However, it is possible to have IBS and lactose intolerance, whereby you have been diagnosed with IBS and lactose may be one of a variety of food substances that you react to or there are many things that might contribute to your IBS symptoms. (3)

With lactose intolerance, it is either a case of eliminating lactose containing foods from the diet or trying a lactase enzyme replacement in supplement form taken with food, which will help digest the lactose in the meal, but they have varying degrees of benefit. (3)

The amount of lactose found in different foods is listed here. Note that many processed foods may also contain lactose including cereals, baked foods like bread, crackers, cakes, biscuits, and pastry, sauces and salad dressings, diet and protein shakes (2). It is important, therefore, to read food labels if you are lactose intolerant.

Further Reading And References

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