LACTOSE MALABSORPTION Meaning and
Definition
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Lactose malabsorption, also known as lactose intolerance, is a condition characterized by the inability to properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. This occurs due to a deficiency or absence of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose into its component sugars, glucose and galactose, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream.
When lactase is insufficient or absent, lactose passes through the small intestine undigested and reaches the colon. In the colon, bacteria ferment the lactose, causing a range of symptoms. These symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and, in some cases, nausea or vomiting.
Lactose malabsorption can be either congenital/hereditary or acquired. Congenital lactose malabsorption is a rare genetic disorder that is present from birth and causes severe lactose intolerance that usually requires a dairy-free diet. Acquired lactose malabsorption, on the other hand, is more common and can develop later in life due to various factors such as certain illnesses, injuries to the small intestine, or as a result of other digestive disorders like celiac disease or Crohn's disease.
Management of lactose malabsorption generally involves avoiding or limiting the intake of lactose-containing foods and beverages. Many lactose intolerant individuals can still tolerate small amounts of lactose, and may be able to consume dairy products when taken with lactase supplements. Dietary lactose can also be found in non-dairy products such as processed foods, medications, and even certain types of bread, so careful label reading is necessary.
Overall, lactose malabsorption is a condition characterized by the inability to digest lactose due to a deficiency or absence of the enzyme lactase, resulting in
Common Misspellings for LACTOSE MALABSORPTION
- kactose malabsorption
- pactose malabsorption
- oactose malabsorption
- lzctose malabsorption
- lsctose malabsorption
- lwctose malabsorption
- lqctose malabsorption
- laxtose malabsorption
- lavtose malabsorption
- laftose malabsorption
- ladtose malabsorption
- lacrose malabsorption
- lacfose malabsorption
- lacgose malabsorption
- lacyose malabsorption
- lac6ose malabsorption
- lac5ose malabsorption
- lactise malabsorption
- lactkse malabsorption
- lactlse malabsorption
Etymology of LACTOSE MALABSORPTION
The word "lactose malabsorption" is composed of two main parts: "lactose" and "malabsorption".
The term "lactose" refers to a sugar found in milk and milk products. It comes from the Latin word "lac", which means "milk".
The term "malabsorption" is derived from the Latin word "malus", meaning "bad" or "abnormal", and the word "absorptio", meaning "absorption". Therefore, "malabsorption" refers to the abnormal or inadequate absorption of nutrients by the digestive system.
When combined, "lactose malabsorption" refers to the condition where the body has difficulty or is unable to properly absorb lactose, resulting in symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea after consuming lactose-containing foods.
