Lactose intolerance refers to the inability to digest and absorb a
complex sugar found in milk and dairy products known as lactose. People
who are lactose intolerant may suffer indigestion, stomach ache,
diarrhea and nausea. The main reason for this intolerance is the
insufficient lactase that is produced by a lactose intolerant
individual. Lactase is a type of enzyme that breaks down lactose into
two simpler sugar constituents, namely, glucose and galactose.
Symptomatic mechanisms
The insufficiency of the enzyme lactase does not directly cause the symptoms associated with the condition.
The deficiency in lactase results to the non-breakdown of lactose. This creates a lactose buildup since the molecules of this complex sugar is too large to be absorbed. The lactose buildup attracts bacterial actions, which ferment the molecule. As a result, gaseous byproducts are produced. This results to upset stomach and flatulence. The byproducts of fermentation and accumulation of unabsorbed sugar result to the osmotic pressures in the colon. The osmotic differences lead to the rush of water into the colon, thereby resulting to diarrhea.
Statistical estimates
This condition is relatively common worldwide but the statistical distribution varies depending on ethnicity and geographical location. For example, China has the highest rate of lactose intolerance incidence among adults. Approximately 75% of Chinese are lactose intolerant. On the other hand, Northern Europe has the lowest incidence estimated to be around 6% of the population.
Only about 7% of North American Caucasians are lactose intolerant as compared to 50% of North American blacks and 60% of Native Americans have the same condition. The geographical and ethnic distribution of lactose intolerance is directly related to the prevalence of milk and other dairy products in the regular diet. A population or ethnic groups that commonly have milk in their diet tend to be more adapted to digesting lactose. This is an expected result based on evolutionary natural selection.
Factors involved
Lactose intolerance is mainly because of deficiency in lactase production of the digestive system of those who are affected. This deficiency is either genetically determined or something that is acquired or induced by environmental factors. The genetic factor is something that cannot be changed or prevented. The environmental factors, on the other hand, are preventable. In either case, the syndrome or group of symptom associated with lactose intolerance is manageable.
Deficiency in lactase due to genetic factor exclusively affects adults. This is the result of the absence of lactase persistence allele. This genetically caused deficiency is the most common cause of lactose intolerance in the world.
The secondary classification of lactase deficiency is merely transient in nature. It is acquired during infancy and caused by environmental factors. It may be triggered by acute gastroenteritis, intestinal parasites and chemotherapy. The effect is only temporary and would easily go away once the environmental factor is eliminated.
The third type of lactase deficiency is very rare. This is known as congenital lactase deficiency, which is caused by the autosomal recessive genetic disorder. Those who are born with this affliction are incapable producing the enzyme lactase. Sufferers are incapable of digesting milk from birth. Congenital lactase deficiency is prevalent among Finland natives.
Symptomatic mechanisms
The insufficiency of the enzyme lactase does not directly cause the symptoms associated with the condition.
The deficiency in lactase results to the non-breakdown of lactose. This creates a lactose buildup since the molecules of this complex sugar is too large to be absorbed. The lactose buildup attracts bacterial actions, which ferment the molecule. As a result, gaseous byproducts are produced. This results to upset stomach and flatulence. The byproducts of fermentation and accumulation of unabsorbed sugar result to the osmotic pressures in the colon. The osmotic differences lead to the rush of water into the colon, thereby resulting to diarrhea.
Statistical estimates
This condition is relatively common worldwide but the statistical distribution varies depending on ethnicity and geographical location. For example, China has the highest rate of lactose intolerance incidence among adults. Approximately 75% of Chinese are lactose intolerant. On the other hand, Northern Europe has the lowest incidence estimated to be around 6% of the population.
Only about 7% of North American Caucasians are lactose intolerant as compared to 50% of North American blacks and 60% of Native Americans have the same condition. The geographical and ethnic distribution of lactose intolerance is directly related to the prevalence of milk and other dairy products in the regular diet. A population or ethnic groups that commonly have milk in their diet tend to be more adapted to digesting lactose. This is an expected result based on evolutionary natural selection.
Factors involved
Lactose intolerance is mainly because of deficiency in lactase production of the digestive system of those who are affected. This deficiency is either genetically determined or something that is acquired or induced by environmental factors. The genetic factor is something that cannot be changed or prevented. The environmental factors, on the other hand, are preventable. In either case, the syndrome or group of symptom associated with lactose intolerance is manageable.
Deficiency in lactase due to genetic factor exclusively affects adults. This is the result of the absence of lactase persistence allele. This genetically caused deficiency is the most common cause of lactose intolerance in the world.
The secondary classification of lactase deficiency is merely transient in nature. It is acquired during infancy and caused by environmental factors. It may be triggered by acute gastroenteritis, intestinal parasites and chemotherapy. The effect is only temporary and would easily go away once the environmental factor is eliminated.
The third type of lactase deficiency is very rare. This is known as congenital lactase deficiency, which is caused by the autosomal recessive genetic disorder. Those who are born with this affliction are incapable producing the enzyme lactase. Sufferers are incapable of digesting milk from birth. Congenital lactase deficiency is prevalent among Finland natives.
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