According to research, about 68% of the world’s population suffers from lactose intolerance, a condition that makes it hard for a person to digest the sugar found in dairy products such as milk and cheese.

Those who are intolerant may experience the following symptoms, often within 30 minutes to two hours after ingesting dairy products:

• stomach cramps (usually around or below the belly button);
• bloating;
• flatulence;
• constantly passing gas;
• nausea; and/or
• diarrhoea.

The severity of symptoms and when they appear depends on the amount of lactose you have consumed. Some may be able to drink a small glass of milk without triggering any symptoms, while others might not even tolerate a splash of milk in their tea or coffee.

What causes it?

The body produces an enzyme called lactase that breaks down lactose, the naturally occurring sugar found in milk. Those who are intolerant either do not produce enough of the enzyme, known as lactase deficiency; or the enzyme doesn’t work as well as it should.

As a result, lactose is not broken down properly and stays in the digestive system, where it is fermented by bacteria. This leads to the production of various gases, which cause the symptoms associated with intolerance.

Lactose intolerance is closely linked to genetics, prematurity in babies, or underlying intestinal diseases. Depending on the cause, the situation may be temporary or permanent.

Most cases that develop in adults are inherited and tend to be lifelong, but those in young children are often caused by an infection in the digestive system and could only last for a few weeks.

Whither dairy allergy?

While there is such a thing as a dairy allergy, its symptoms are often different from those of lactose intolerance. In the case of an allergy, the body reacts to the protein in milk, rather than to the sugar.

Food allergies involve the body’s immune system, whereas lactose intolerance does not. As a result, allergies can lead to symptoms such as rash, wheezing and itching, and even a tiny bit of dairy could trigger a reaction.

Can you test for intolerance?

If you suspect you might be lactose intolerant, see a doctor to get tested. This can be done in two ways:

• Lactose hydrogen breath test: You drink a liquid with high levels of lactose, then breathe into a special machine every 30 minutes. The machine measures how much hydrogen you exhale. Those who are intolerant breathe out more hydrogen, which indicates you are not fully digesting and absorbing lactose as you should.
• Lactose tolerance blood test: You drink a liquid that has high levels of lactose in it. The doctor will then take your blood samples two hours later, to measure the amount of glucose circulating in your bloodstream. If your blood has low levels of sugar, it means you probably are not fully digesting and absorbing the lactose and you are, therefore, intolerant.

You will not be able to eat or drink anything for several hours before the test. Your doctor will be able to advise you on how to prepare.

Health effects

Dairy products contain calcium, protein, and vitamins such as A, B12 and D. As such, a lactase deficiency not only triggers uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms, it could also lead to certain nutritional shortages.

Lactose also helps your body absorb a number of other minerals, such as magnesium and zinc. Collectively, these nutrients are important for bone health as well as your general wellbeing.

If you’re intolerant, getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals can be tricky, and you’re at risk of osteoporosis and malnutrition.

Treating intolerance

Addressing the underlying issue in those who are intolerant could reinstate the body’s capacity to digest lactose, although it might take a while. Sufferers can choose to adopt a lactose free-diet and then gradually reintroduce small amounts of it to discover the degree of tolerance they have.

Avoiding dairy foods and finding alternatives that are rich in Vitamin D and calcium is perhaps the most straightforward approach, although you won’t be able to enjoy the goodness of dairy products freely. Talk to a healthcare professional about taking vitamin D and calcium supplements.

You may also work with a nutritionist to devise an eating plan that ensures you have adequate calcium and vitamins in your diet.

Furthermore, when buying food, check the ingredients and keep an eye out for products that contain milk and its byproducts, milk powder or milk solids, whey, and lactose itself.

Consult a pharmacist on enzyme supplements you can take to help break down dairy. While this isn’t a magic bullet – some people will still have symptoms even while on supplements – they could help you cope with the aftereffects of having consumed dairy.

This article was written by DOC2US, a mobile application that allows you to talk to a doctor or any healthcare professionals via text chat at any time and from anywhere.