Lactose intolerance is a situation by which individuals do not need sufficient lactase, a digestive enzyme that’s produced within the small gut and is answerable for breaking down lactose, the pure sugar present in milk and different dairy merchandise. With out adequate lactase, lactose can’t be correctly digested and might trigger a spread of disagreeable signs, together with stomach ache, bloating, fuel, and diarrhea.
Lactase is usually produced in excessive ranges throughout infancy, when breast milk is the first supply of vitamin. Nevertheless, as youngsters grow old, lactase manufacturing naturally declines, resulting in lactose intolerance in lots of people. The prevalence of lactose intolerance varies considerably world wide, with increased charges in sure ethnic teams, akin to these of East Asian and African descent.
