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The severity of these signs and symptoms typically increases with the amount of lactose consumed; most lactose-intolerant people can tolerate a certain level of lactose in their diets without ill effects. [16] [17] Because lactose intolerance is not an allergy, it does not produce allergy symptoms (such as itching, hives, or anaphylaxis).
Lactose is a disaccharide sugar composed of galactose and glucose that is found in milk. Lactose can not be absorbed by the intestine and needs to be split in the small intestine into galactose and glucose by the enzyme called lactase; unabsorbed lactose can cause abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, gas, and nausea.
Lactase persistence or lactose tolerance is the continued activity of the lactase enzyme in adulthood, allowing the digestion of lactose in milk. In most mammals , the activity of the enzyme is dramatically reduced after weaning . [ 1 ]
This is an autosomal recessive disorder and infants that can’t break down lactose have trouble with breastmilk, and develop diarrhea starting from birth. Sometimes, even those with lactase-persistence can develop temporary lactose intolerance as a result of infection or inflammation in the small intestine.
Elimination of specific hydroxyl groups on the glucopyranose moiety does not eliminate catalysis. [17] Lactase also catalyzes the conversion of phlorizin to phloretin and glucose. Lactase (Lactaid commercially) is used as a medication for lactose intolerance. Since it is an enzyme, its function can be inhibited by the acidity of the stomach.
Dairy products may upset the digestive system in individuals with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy. [7] [8] [9] People who experience lactose intolerance usually avoid milk and other lactose-containing dairy products, which may cause mild side effects, such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, gas, and nausea.
Galactosemia is sometimes confused with lactose intolerance, but galactosemia is a more serious condition. Lactose intolerant individuals have an acquired or inherited shortage of the enzyme lactase, and experience abdominal pains after ingesting dairy products, but no long-term effects. In contrast, a galactosemic individual who consumes ...
Lactose, or milk sugar, is a disaccharide composed of galactose and glucose and has the molecular formula C 12 H 22 O 11.Lactose makes up around 2–8% of milk (by mass). The name comes from lact (gen. lactis), the Latin word for milk, plus the suffix -ose used to name sugars.