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Between 10% and 20% of the population in the BENELUX has a proven lactose intolerance.
However, there are many people who go through life undiagnosed and still experience many complaints while consuming products with lactose in them. To make life with a hypersensitivity to lactose easier and more common, lactase tablets have been developed that can be taken to reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Reduced lactase production
The enzyme lactase is produced in the small intestinal wall. This enzyme ensures the breakdown and digestion of the milk sugar lactose in the human body. With a deficiency or lack of lactase in the small intestine, the substance cannot be digested and ends up in the large intestine. This is where the fermentation takes place, a process in which bacteria in the intestinal flora break down the sugars. Through this process, one experiences the complaints associated with lactose intolerance. The complaints occur after consuming products that contain lactose, such as milk, cheese, dairy desserts and ice cream. Lactase tablets support the body by taking care of this substance and stimulating the breakdown process.
Intolerance or allergy?
An intolerance to lactose is often mistakenly confused with an allergy to the substance. However, a lactose allergy is a food allergy, while an intolerance means that the body only has a reaction to a certain substance. The biggest difference between the two is that the reactions in a lactose allergy are caused by the immune system. In case of an intolerance, the immune system is not activated.
Symptoms that may indicate a lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance leads to many unpleasant complaints. When one suffers from a hypersensitivity to lactose, there may be intestinal rumblings, intestinal cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, flatulence and nausea. During the breakdown of the remaining lactose by bacteria in the intestinal flora, gases are released that cause a large part of the complaints. In addition, the lactose that has not yet been digested attracts water. This leads to diarrhea.
Getting a diagnosis
If hypersensitivity to lactose is suspected, a test can be performed at a healthcare institution to obtain a definitive diagnosis. The most common test is the hydrogen breath test, which measures hydrogen gas in the breath. When bacteria in the gut go to work breaking down lactose, this gas is released. Before performing the test, one should drink a sugar solution containing lactose to initiate the breakdown process and finally measure the gas.
Another way to find out if someone is lactose intolerant is to take an elimination challenge test. This eliminates all products that contain lactose for a certain time. Subsequently, lactose is gradually reintroduced into the diet. When the symptoms return, the diagnosis can be made.
Treatment methods for lactose intolerance
Calling in a dietician can be helpful to determine to what extent people can still tolerate lactose. In addition, one can use milk substitutes, such as soy milk and yogurt. It is wise to avoid lactose as much as possible, but this is of course not always realistic. That is why lactase tablets have been developed that provide lactase in the small intestine, so that lactose can be broken down. Take a tablet during or before a meal to limit symptoms and still enjoy ice cream, milk or other dairy products in moderation.
In case of persistent complaints and questions about your specific situation, please contact your doctor.
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Kerutabs.com - Original title:
Lactase tablets can make life easier with lactose intolerance - Target audience:
Healthcare Professionals, Policymakers, Informal Caregivers, Students - Datum:
2022-07-23