Lactose defiencs and lactose intolerance

Lactase Deficiency

Lactose is the principal carbohydrate in dairy products. It is a disaccharide, meaning that it is a larger molecule made up of two smaller sugar molecules, which are the monosaccharides glucose and galactose. An enzyme in our small intestine called lactase is responsible for breaking lactose into glucose and galactose, which are then easily absorbed.

If there is not enough lactase enzyme available to break down lactose into its two smaller sugars, the result is undigested lactose traveling through the small intestine to the large intestine (colon). This is why lactose intolerance can also be correctly called lactase deficiency.

Lactose Intolerance Symptoms

The classic symptoms of lactose intolerance result from undigested lactose traveling through the small bowel and drawing water by osmosis into the bowel, which causes bloating. When the undigested lactose reaches the colon, bacteria ferment it, producing further bloating, cramping, gas, and diarrhea. Symptoms vary among individuals, but typically appear within 30 minutes to several hours after ingestion.