Lactose Intolerance (cont.)
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Lactose Intolerance Symptoms
It is important to recognize that deficiency in the lactase enzyme does not necessarily translate into lactose intolerance. Many people with mild degrees of lactase deficiency have no symptoms and are able tolerate lactose ingestion. On the other hand, people with severe lactase deficiency may have symptoms even with minimal amount of lactose ingestion.
The amount of lactose in the diet and the difference in the make up of bacteria in the colon are other factors that determine the variability and severity of symptoms in some individuals.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include:
The production of gas (flatus) is the result of the activity of bacteria in the large intestine (colon). As the large lactose molecule passes unchanged through the small intestines, it is metabolized by the bacteria that are normally present in the colon. As a result, certain gases, such as hydrogen, are produced and are released from the rectum.
Additionally, a portion of the lactose reaching the colon does not get metabolized by the bacteria. Because these larger molecules are accompanied with an increase in secretion of water through osmosis, this results in the passage of loose stools and diarrhea.
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 8/13/2014
Bhupinder Anand, MD
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