What Lack Of Enzyme Causes Lactose Intolerance? Let’s Understand The Role Of This Missing Enzyme!

Lactose intolerance is something we have all heard of, and this digestive issue impacts a large segment of the world’s population. It is quite common in people these days with changing lifestyle and dietary habits. It happens when the body cannot effectively break down or digest lactose, a type of sugar that is commonly found in milk and dairy items. 

The main cause is a lack of lactase, an enzyme made in the small intestine. Lactase converts lactose into glucose and galactose, two simpler sugars that the body can utilise. 

Lactose stays undigested in the intestines when there is insufficient lactase, resulting in poor digestion symptoms like gas, diarrhoea, bloating, and stomach pain. Each person has a different level of lactose intolerance; some may have minor discomfort after consuming small amounts of dairy, while others may experience more severe reactions even to trace levels of lactose. Let’s dive into this blog to learn about the lack of enzymes that may cause intolerance.

Table Of Contents

1. What Lack Of Enzyme Causes Lactose Intolerance?

2. 4 Types Of Lactose Intolerance

3. What Happens If You Ignore Lactose Intolerance?

4. Dietitian’s Recommendation

5. The Final Say

6. FAQs

7. References

What Lack Of Enzyme Causes Lactose Intolerance?

Lactase is an essential enzyme that allows humans to digest milk. For many people, lactase production decreases as they grow older, leading to lactose malabsorption. However, some individuals continue to produce lactase into adulthood due to genetic adaptations.

Lactase functions by hydrolysing lactose, breaking it into absorbable sugars. Without enough lactase, the undigested lactose is fermented by gut bacteria, producing gases and acids that cause gastrointestinal discomfort and create an imbalance in your digestive system.

Also Read: 10 Symptoms And Side Effects Of Gluten Intolerance To Watch Out For! 

4 Types Of Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is classified into different types based on its cause:

1. Primary Lactose Intolerance

Primary lactose intolerance is the most common form and typically develops in late childhood or adulthood. It occurs when the body's production of lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, naturally decreases over time. This reduction in lactase activity leads to difficulty digesting lactose-containing foods, resulting in symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. East Asians, Africans, and Native Americans are more prone to face this condition. 

2. Secondary Lactose Intolerance

Secondary lactose intolerance occurs when the body temporarily reduces lactase enzyme production due to an illness or injury that affects the small intestine. This can result from conditions such as gastrointestinal infections, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease. 

Unlike congenital or developmental forms, secondary lactose intolerance is usually reversible once the underlying condition is treated or healed.

Symptoms of secondary lactose intolerance, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea, occur after consuming dairy products and may improve with dietary changes, such as avoiding lactose or gradually reintroducing it as the intestine heals.

3. Congenital Lactose Intolerance

Congenital lactose intolerance is a rare genetic condition in which newborn infants have little to no lactase enzyme production. This means they are unable to properly digest lactose right from birth. Unlike developmental lactose intolerance, which may improve over time, congenital lactose intolerance is lifelong.

Infants with this condition experience severe gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhoea, bloating, and dehydration, after consuming lactose-containing foods or formula. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning both parents must carry the gene for the disorder. 

4. Developmental Lactose Intolerance

Developmental lactose intolerance is a temporary condition typically seen in premature infants whose small intestines are not fully developed. This form of lactose intolerance occurs due to insufficient production of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, the sugar found in milk. 

Most premature babies will outgrow this condition as their intestines mature, allowing them to digest lactose-containing foods like breast milk and formula more effectively. While developmental lactose intolerance can lead to symptoms such as diarrhoea and bloating, it usually resolves within a short period after birth.

Also Read: Gluten Intolerance VS Celiac Disease: Know 7 Differences In Symptoms, Treatment And More! 

What Happens If You Ignore Lactose Intolerance?

If you ignore lactose intolerance, you can face many uncomfortable and serious health issues. When individuals with lactose intolerance consume dairy products, undigested lactose ferments in the gut, causing symptoms such as: 

• Bloating: Gas production in the colon leads to an uncomfortable feeling of fullness.
• Diarrhoea: The fermentation of lactose draws water into the intestines, causing loose stools.
• Gas: Bacterial breakdown of lactose releases hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide, leading to excessive gas.
• Stomach Pain And Cramping: The buildup of gases and acids causes intestinal discomfort.
• Nausea: Some individuals may experience mild nausea, especially after consuming large amounts of dairy.

Over time, chronic diarrhoea can result in dehydration, nutrient malabsorption, and deficiencies in essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Additionally, ongoing digestive distress may negatively impact quality of life and overall well-being. It is advisable for those with lactose intolerance to limit or avoid lactose-containing foods and consider alternatives to manage their symptoms effectively.

Also Read: Constant Stomach Problems? Here Are the 10 Most-Overlooked Causes of Food Indigestion That Could Lead to Long-Term Gut Issues! 

Dietitian’s Recommendation

If you're lactose intolerant, focus on lactose-free dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or lactose-free milk. Fermented dairy products like yoghurt and hard cheeses may be easier to digest. Incorporate calcium-rich, non-dairy foods such as leafy greens, tofu, almonds, and fortified plant-based milk. 

Enzyme supplements like lactase pills can help break down lactose when consuming dairy. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods and check ingredient labels for hidden lactose in processed foods. Prioritise gut health with probiotic-rich foods like kefir or kimchi. Experiment with different dairy substitutes to find what works best for you while maintaining balanced nutrition.

                                                                                                Dt. Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

So, that was all about lactose intolerance and the lack of the enzyme that causes it. While it is not life-threatening, it can cause significant discomfort and impact dietary choices. 

With proper management, including dietary modifications and enzyme supplements, individuals can continue to maintain a healthy and balanced diet while avoiding the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance. Understanding the condition and its genetic basis can assist people in taking good care of their digestive health and focusing on proper nutrition. 

FAQs

1. How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?

Doctors use a hydrogen breath test, lactose tolerance test, or stool acidity test to diagnose intolerance. Eliminating dairy from the diet and monitoring symptom relief can also help identify intolerance. A doctor’s evaluation ensures symptoms aren’t caused by other digestive conditions, like (IBS) or a milk allergy.

2. What dairy products can lactose-intolerant people eat?

Lactose-intolerant individuals can enjoy a variety of dairy products, including lactose-free milk, yoghurt, and cheese, which are specially made to be easier to digest. Additionally, aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan contain minimal lactose and are often well-tolerated in moderation.

3. Can probiotics help with lactose intolerance?

Yes, definitely! Probiotics can aid digestion and alleviate intolerance symptoms. Certain probiotic strains, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, help break down lactose and reduce symptoms. Fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi, miso, and sauerkraut may improve tolerance and support digestion.

References

• https://www.mp.pl/paim/issue/article/1519/
• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lactose-intolerance
• https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/lactose-intolerance
• https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/798
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-happens-if-you-ignore-lactose-intolerance
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/lactase-deficiency

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