Lactose intolerance
Andrea S. Wiley
Abstract
Lactose intolerance results from incomplete digestion of the milk sugar lactose. Primary lactose intolerance is characterized by gastrointestinal discomfort from osmotic diarrhoea and colonic bacterial fermentation of lactose. Lactose is found only in mammalian milk and requires the intestinal enzyme lactase to cleave it into glucose and galactose, which can be absorbed.
Topics & Concepts
Lactose intoleranceLactoseFood scienceMedicineChemistryDigestive system and related healthNutrition, Genetics, and DiseaseDiet, Metabolism, and Disease