LACTASE DEFICIENCY Meaning and
Definition
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Lactase deficiency, also known as lactose intolerance, is a digestive disorder characterized by the body's inability to produce enough or any lactase enzyme. Lactase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, into simpler forms, such as glucose and galactose, which the body can easily absorb and utilize.
In individuals with lactase deficiency, lactose remains undigested in the digestive system because of inadequate or absent lactase enzyme. As a result, lactose passes through the small intestine undigested and enters the colon or large intestine, where it undergoes fermentation by bacteria. This fermentation process produces various gases, such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane, leading to symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, and sometimes nausea and vomiting after consuming lactose-containing foods.
Lactase deficiency can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary lactase deficiency, the most common type, is usually a genetic condition that develops during childhood or adolescence due to a gradual decline in lactase production after weaning off breast milk. Secondary lactase deficiency occurs as a result of damage to the small intestine lining due to certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or chemotherapy.
Managing lactase deficiency typically involves avoiding or reducing the consumption of lactose-containing foods. This may include substituting dairy products with lactose-free alternatives or taking lactase supplements that aid in the digestion of lactose. It is important to note that lactase deficiency is a digestive disorder, not an allergy, as it does not involve the immune system.
Common Misspellings for LACTASE DEFICIENCY
- kactase deficiency
- pactase deficiency
- oactase deficiency
- lzctase deficiency
- lsctase deficiency
- lwctase deficiency
- lqctase deficiency
- laxtase deficiency
- lavtase deficiency
- laftase deficiency
- ladtase deficiency
- lacrase deficiency
- lacfase deficiency
- lacgase deficiency
- lacyase deficiency
- lac6ase deficiency
- lac5ase deficiency
- lactzse deficiency
- lactsse deficiency
Etymology of LACTASE DEFICIENCY
The word "lactase deficiency" is derived from two main parts: "lactase" and "deficiency".
1. Lactase: The term "lactase" comes from the combining form "lacto-", which is derived from the Latin word "lac" meaning "milk". It specifically refers to the enzyme "lactase" that breaks down lactose (the sugar found in milk and dairy products) into simpler forms.
2. Deficiency: The word "deficiency" is derived from the Latin word "deficiens", which means "failing" or "lacking". In this context, it refers to the lack or insufficiency of lactase enzyme production or activity, resulting in an inability to fully digest lactose.
