LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

 

INTRODUCTION: Lactose intolerance is the most common problem of carbohydrate digestion. It results mainly from the reduction of lactase enzyme activity in adults. Lactase is expressed normally at high levels in the jejunum of neonatal and infant humans and for that reason, this problem is rare in that age group. In many parts of the world, lactase levels are gradually reduced after weaning. However, lactase levels do not decrease significantly in populations in which milk products are an important part of the adult diet. 

Lactase activity is rate limiting for lactose digestion in most adults throughout other regions of the world. If lactase is deficient, non-digested lactose is not absorbed. The non-absorbed lactose retains water in the lumen to maintain the osmolality of chyme equivalent to that of plasma. This fluid retention causes abdominal pain (cramps), nausea, and diarrhea. Bacterial fermentation of lactose in the distal small intestine and colon further exacerbates these symptoms.

RELATED;

1. LACTOSE  

2. CARBOHYDRATES  

3. BIOCHEMISTRY OF ENZYMES

4.  ALLERGY

5.  METABOLISM OF PROTEINS

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