lactasetekort

Lactase deficiency, commonly known as lactase intolerance, is a condition in which the body produces insufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase. Lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. When lactose is not properly digested, it can cause various symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea.

The prevalence of lactase deficiency varies by population. It is most common in adults of East Asian descent, affecting about 90% of adults in China and Japan. In Western populations, the prevalence is lower, with estimates ranging from 3% to 15% in adults. Lactase deficiency is rare in infants, as breast milk contains lactase, but it can develop in childhood or adulthood due to various factors such as genetic mutations, infections, or autoimmune disorders.

The diagnosis of lactase deficiency is typically based on symptoms and confirmed through hydrogen breath tests or stool acidity tests. There is no cure for lactase deficiency, but symptoms can be managed through dietary changes. Individuals with lactase deficiency may need to avoid or limit dairy products and other foods containing lactose. Lactose-reduced or lactose-free dairy products, as well as lactose-free supplements, are available to help manage the condition.

Lactase deficiency should not be confused with milk allergy, which is an immune system response to milk proteins rather than lactose. While both conditions can cause similar symptoms, they have different underlying mechanisms and require different management strategies.