LOC100129518
Lactose Intolerance: An In-Depth Guide
Description:
Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that occurs when the body cannot properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. This inability to digest lactose arises from a deficiency of lactase, an enzyme produced by the small intestine. When lactose reaches the large intestine undigested, it can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms.
Associated Diseases:
While lactose intolerance is not typically a serious health condition, it can occasionally be linked to certain underlying medical conditions:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Celiac disease
- Crohn's disease
Did you Know ?
Approximately 65% of the world's population is lactose intolerant, making it one of the most common food intolerances globally. The prevalence varies significantly by region, with the highest rates found in parts of Asia and Africa.
