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Overview - Lactose intolerance

Contents
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    4. Treatment

   Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem where the body is
   unable to digest lactose, a type of sugar mainly found in milk and
   dairy products.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance

   Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually develop within a few hours of
   consuming food or drink that contains lactose.

   They may include:
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   The severity of your symptoms and when they appear depends on the
   amount of lactose you have consumed.

   Some people may still be able to drink a small glass of milk without
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When to seek medical advice

   The symptoms of lactose intolerance can be similar to several other
   conditions, so it's important to see your GP for a diagnosis before
   removing milk and dairy products from your diet.
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       milk from cows (not the same as a milk allergy)

   If your GP thinks you have lactose intolerance, they may suggest
   avoiding foods and drinks containing lactose for 2 weeks to see if your
   symptoms improve.

What causes lactose intolerance?

   The body digests lactose using a substance called lactase. This breaks
   down lactose into 2 sugars called glucose and galactose, which can be
   easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

   People with lactose intolerance do not produce enough lactase, so
   lactose stays in the digestive system, where it's fermented by
   bacteria.

   This leads to the production of various gases, which cause the symptoms
   associated with lactose intolerance.

   Depending on the underlying reason why the body's not producing enough
   lactase, lactose intolerance may be temporary or permanent.

   Most cases that develop in adults are inherited and tend to be
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Who's affected

   In the UK, lactose intolerance is more common in people of Asian or
   African-Caribbean descent.

   Lactose intolerance can develop at any age. Many cases first develop in
   people aged 20 to 40, although babies and young children can also be
   affected.
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Is it an allergy?

   Lactose intolerance is not the same as a milk or dairy allergy. Food
   allergies are caused by your immune system reacting to a certain type
   of food. This causes symptoms such as a rash, wheezing and itching.

   If you're allergic to something, even a tiny particle can be enough to
   trigger a reaction, while most people with lactose intolerance can
   still consume small amounts of lactose without experiencing any
   problems, although this varies from person to person.

Treating lactose intolerance

   There's no cure for lactose intolerance, but cutting down on food and
   drink containing lactose usually helps to control the symptoms.

   Lactose-free products include:
     * lactose-free cows' milk
     * soya milks, yoghurts and some cheeses
     * rice, oat, almond, hazelnut, coconut, quinoa and potato milks
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   You may be advised to take lactase substitutes, which are drops or
   tablets you can take with your meals or drinks to improve your
   digestion of lactose.

Complications of lactose intolerance

   Milk and other dairy products contain calcium, protein and vitamins,
   such as A, B12 and D.

   Lactose also helps your body absorb a number of other minerals, such as
   magnesium and zinc.

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   strong, healthy bones.

   If you're lactose intolerant, getting the right amount of important
   vitamins and minerals can prove difficult.