Lactose Intolerance in Louisiana

Lactose intolerance is a result of the body’s incapacity to produce, or a deficiency in the generation of, lactase. A couple of the major causes why the body might be unable to develop a sufficient amount of lactase to assist break down lactose are explained below:

Primary Lactose Intolerance

Primary lactose intolerance is the most common type of lactose intolerance and is due to age. The more you age, the less lactase your body develops. This form of lactose intolerance can partially get passed through family lines genetically and occurs in certain individuals to a greater extent than other people. As reported by the food intolerance network, lactose intolerance impacts 5 – 17% of Europeans, approximately 44% of Americans, roughly 50% of Latino/Hispanic people, and 60 – 80% of Asians and Africans.

Secondary Lactose Intolerance

Secondary lactose deficiency generally happens when the duodenum (small intestine) is impaired due to an illness, trauma, surgery, or more serious condition like Crohn’s disease or Celiac disease. The production of lactase lowers when the small intestine (duodenum) is swollen. Treatment of the condition might reinstate the purpose of the small intestine and return lactase amounts to normal.

To learn more about lactose intolerance, contact a GastroGroup & Endocenter location in your area. Our GI professionals can give knowledgeable tips and details on how to live with lactose intolerance.