Q&A: Turning lactose intolerant


Q: What would cause someone to become lactose-intolerant later in life?

A: Lactose intolerance isn’t a true allergy, and it can develop at any age.


In others, it develops without a specific underlying cause.

mayoEnzymes in your small intestine digest the carbohydrate lactose — a type of sugar in dairy products — so the body can make energy.

In people with lactose intolerance, a certain enzyme, called lactase, is missing from the body, so the body has no way to break down the lactose.

This leads to fermentation of the sugar in the intestines and triggers symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating and gas.

Sometimes, lactose intolerance develops after an illness, injury or surgery. This is called secondary lactose intolerance.

Among the diseases associated with this kind of lactose intolerance are celiac disease, bacterial overgrowth and Crohn’s disease. Treatment of the underlying disorder may improve symptoms.

Your doctor can confirm a diagnosis of lactose intolerance with a clinical test.

There isn’t a way to cure it.

The most effective way for people with lactose intolerance to get relief is to lower the amount of dairy products they eat.

You may be able to use dairy products that have reduced levels of lactose or are lactose-free.

Some people who have lactose intolerance benefit from taking lactase enzyme supplements as well.

Mayo Clinic News Network

Last modified: July 5, 2016