LACTOSE INTOLERANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Lactose intolerance is a physiological condition that arises due to the body's inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. It happens when the small intestine does not produce enough lactase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose into simpler sugars called glucose and galactose for absorption into the bloodstream.
When a lactose-intolerant individual consumes foods containing lactose, such as milk, ice cream, cheese, or butter, they experience symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence. These symptoms occur because undigested lactose passes into the large intestine, where it ferments through the action of bacteria, resulting in the production of gas and other byproducts.
Lactose intolerance can be either primary or secondary. Primary lactose intolerance is the most common form and is typically genetic. It usually develops during adolescence or adulthood and is more prevalent in certain ethnic groups. Secondary lactose intolerance can occur as a result of an underlying medical condition or injury that damages the small intestine, impairing lactase production temporarily.
To manage lactose intolerance, individuals are advised to reduce or eliminate their intake of lactose-containing foods. Some individuals may tolerate small amounts of lactose, while others may require complete avoidance. Alternative sources of calcium and other important nutrients found in milk and dairy products should be incorporated into the diet, such as fortified plant-based milks or lactose-free dairy products.
It is essential to differentiate lactose intolerance from milk allergy, which is an immune system response to proteins in milk rather than the lactose sugar.
Common Misspellings for LACTOSE INTOLERANCE
- kactose intolerance
- pactose intolerance
- oactose intolerance
- lzctose intolerance
- lsctose intolerance
- lwctose intolerance
- lqctose intolerance
- laxtose intolerance
- lavtose intolerance
- laftose intolerance
- ladtose intolerance
- lacrose intolerance
- lacfose intolerance
- lacgose intolerance
- lacyose intolerance
- lac6ose intolerance
- lac5ose intolerance
- lactise intolerance
- lactkse intolerance
Etymology of LACTOSE INTOLERANCE
The word "lactose" comes from the Latin "lactis", meaning milk, and "ose", a suffix used to indicate a sugar. "Intolerance" comes from the Latin "in", meaning not, and "tolerantia", meaning endurance or toleration. Therefore, "lactose intolerance" can be understood as the inability to tolerate or digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products.
