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Lactose intolerance affects 75% of the adult population globally, causing symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Babies can also experience symptoms, leading to dehydration and slow growth. Treatment options include lactase supplements and dairy alternatives. A doctor should be consulted to rule out a dairy allergy.
Humans are one of the few species that continue to drink milk beyond infancy. As a result, lactose intolerance or the inability to digest dairy products may occur. Most adults show some symptoms of lactose intolerance by adulthood, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in babies can be present from birth. Bloating, abdominal pain, fussiness, diarrhea, and inconsolable crying are some of the symptoms that babies may experience. This condition can lead to dehydration, poor weight gain, weakness, and slow growth if not treated promptly. When these symptoms are present, mothers are generally encouraged to feed their infants with breast milk, soy milk, or another dairy milk alternative.
Although some medications and intestinal diseases can cause lactose intolerance, many human bodies are simply unable to digest lactose as adults. Globally, 75% of the adult population suffers from at least some signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance. When they do occur, these symptoms can flare up between 30 minutes and two hours after digesting lactose-containing products.
Depending on the individual’s ability to digest lactose, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some symptoms of lactose intolerance in adults can include abdominal cramps, nausea, bloating, gas, headache or diarrhea. People with lactose intolerance often feel a bubbling or rumbling in the abdominal region after consuming products containing lactose. Some less common symptoms may also occur, such as loose, foamy stools or vomiting.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance can occur after eating foods that don’t appear to be dairy. This is due to the fact that lactose is an ingredient in many non-dairy foods. These foods can include chips, salad dressings, mayonnaise, processed meats, dessert toppings, and other products.
There is no cure for lactose intolerance. However, many treatment options and alternatives are available. Foods such as ice cream, milk, cheese and other dairy products are now accessible to people with lactose intolerance through ingredients such as soy, almonds and rice.
Dietary supplements are also available for people who wish to continue eating dairy products. These lactase supplements help the body digest lactose. Some lactose-reduced products, which contain only small amounts of sugar, are also on the market for people with lactose intolerance.
People showing signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance should see a doctor. Instead, a dairy allergy may be present, which has many of the same signs and symptoms as lactose intolerance. Children, and especially infants, should be diagnosed as early as possible to prevent any nutritional deficiencies. A doctor or nutritionist can help families with lactose intolerant members develop healthy eating plans.
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