Lactose Intolerance in Indianapolis, IN

Lactose intolerance is due to your body’s inability to create, or a deficiency in the creation of, lactase. A couple of the major causes of the reason your body is unable to produce a sufficient amount of lactase to help process lactose are explained below:

Primary Lactose Intolerance

Primary lactose intolerance is the more frequent kind of lactose intolerance and is a result of age. As you age, the less lactase your body yields. This sort of lactose intolerance may partially be passed through genetics and develops in certain individuals more than others. Per the food intolerance network, milk intolerance impacts 5% – 17% of Europeans, about 44% of Americans, roughly 50% of Hispanic/Latino people, and 60% – 80% of Asians and Africans.

Secondary Lactose Intolerance

Secondary lactose deficiency commonly happens when the small intestine (duodenum) is damaged due to an illness, trauma, surgery, or more difficult condition like Celiac disease or Crohn’s disease. This is because the production of lactase lowers when the duodenum becomes enlarged. Treatment of the disorder might reinstate the purpose of the small intestine (duodenum) and return lactase amounts to their standard.

To request more information about lactose intolerance, contact an Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology location near you to connect with a gastrointestinal specialist who can address the condition. Our GI team will give knowledgeable pointers and information on how to deal with lactose intolerance.