Lactose Intolerance Definition & Facts

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a condition where the body has difficulty digesting lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and dairy foods. This happens when the small intestine doesn’t produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break lactose down. As a result, undigested lactose can lead to discomfort after consuming dairy.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is characterized by a number of symptoms, which could include abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and/or diarrhea, that may happen after some people eat or drink dairy. If the symptoms take place because of an inability to break down the milk sugar (lactose), then it's likely to be lactose intolerance, according to our nutrition experts at National Dairy Council. But it’s important to make sure your symptoms are not from another problem with the help of your doctor.

Possible Early Signs of Lactose Intolerance

Possible signs of lactose intolerance can show up when the body struggles to digest foods that contain lactose. These signs may range from mild discomfort to more noticeable digestive changes and often appear shortly after consuming dairy foods. While these reactions can be a clue, a health care provider can help confirm whether lactose is the source of the issue.

Lactose Intolerance Conditions

Lactose intolerance is a very individual condition, which means people are able to tolerate different amounts of lactose. People often don’t have to miss out on the great taste and health benefits of dairy foods because there are many options available with varying amounts of lactose, even lactose-free.

Lactose Intolerance Management

Managing lactose intolerance often comes down to understanding how your body responds to different amounts of lactose and making small adjustments that allow you to enjoy the foods you love. Because tolerance varies from person to person, identifying what works best for you is key.

Here are a few helpful ways to navigate lactose intolerance:

• Learn your personal tolerance level. People can often handle varying amounts of lactose at a time, and finding your comfort range can help you enjoy dairy foods and benefit from their nutrition.
   
• Choose lower-lactose options. Hard cheeses and yogurt can be easier to digest while still providing important nutrients.
   
• Try lactose-free milk products. These are real dairy foods where the lactose has been filtered out or broken down for easier digestion.
   
• Consider how and when you eat dairy. Having dairy with meals, rather than on an empty stomach, may help reduce symptoms. Explore ways to still enjoy dairy to find what works best for you.
   
• Talk to your doctor if symptoms persist. They can help determine whether discomfort is due to lactose intolerance or another issue. 

5 Additional Facts About Lactose Intolerance

1. The ability to digest lactose in adulthood is influenced by genetics, and people vary in how much lactose they can comfortably tolerate.
    
2. A doctor can help determine whether dairy-related discomfort is caused by lactose intolerance or something else. 
    
3. Lactose-free milk is real cow’s milk that has had the lactose removed or broken down for easier digestion.
    
4. Pregnant individuals who already tolerate some lactose typically do not need to reduce dairy intake and can gradually increase variety to meet recommended amounts.
    
5. A diagnosis of lactose intolerance in children does not always mean they must avoid dairy entirely, as many kids can still enjoy milk, cheese, and yogurt within their tolerance level.

This article was originally published September 9, 2016.