Lactase
Current as of: April 7, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine & Rohit K. Katial, MD – Allergy and Immunology
Lactase is an enzyme needed to convert milk sugar (lactose) into simple sugars that the body can use (glucose and galactose). Lactase is produced in the small intestine. When a person becomes lactase-deficient (also called lactose-intolerant), he or she has difficulty digesting milk and milk products. The undigested…
Current as of: April 7, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Rohit K. Katial, MD - Allergy and Immunology
04/07/2019
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Lactase is an enzyme needed to convert milk sugar (lactose) into simple sugars that the body can use (glucose and galactose). Lactase is produced in the small intestine.
When a person becomes lactase-deficient (also called lactose-intolerant), he or she has difficulty digesting milk and milk products. The undigested lactose is used as food by bacteria that are normally found in the intestine. This can cause diarrhea, gas (flatulence), and cramps.
Production of lactase is highest at birth in full-term infants. It begins to decrease at about age 3. Lactose intolerance is common in adults. As their small intestines produce less lactase, most people naturally decrease the amount of lactose they eat or drink. Lactase production may also decline temporarily in response to damage of the intestinal lining, which can occur from a gastrointestinal illness.
Current as of: April 7, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine & Rohit K. Katial, MD – Allergy and Immunology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Current as of: April 7, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Rohit K. Katial, MD - Allergy and Immunology
04/07/2019
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.