7 facts you need to know about lactose intolerance

IT IS ALL IN THE ENZYMES

Your body produces an enzyme called lactase. When you drink a glass of milk, lactase helps break down lactose into simpler sugars that are absorbed into your bloodstream. Lactose intolerance occurs when you are lactase deficient.

YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Some stomach ailments have symptoms similar to those of lactose intolerance. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and what tests to do.

NOT EVERYONE HAS SYMPTOMS

Lactose can produce a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms include bloating, nausea, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhea. However, you may be lactase deficient and have no signs.

IT USUALLY APPEARS AT A LATER AGE

Very few babies are born lactose intolerant and must drink lactose-free formula instead of breast milk. However, most people who are lactose intolerant lose the ability to digest milk sometime after birth. This usually happens between the ages of 2 and 12, although you may not experience symptoms until late adolescence or later in life.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

As many as 65% of people worldwide and 30 million Americans have some degree of lactose intolerance. It is more common in people of Asian, African or Spanish descent. People in northern or western Europe are less likely to be lactose intolerant.

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE IS NOT A MILK ALLERGY

Milk allergy is less common but more harmful than lactose intolerance. If you are allergic to milk, your body fights dairy products as if it were a harmful attacker. Symptoms are usually more severe and may include shortness of breath, itchy eyes, and a rash. People with this allergy must completely avoid dairy products.

NOT ALL DAIRY PRODUCTS ARE RESTRICTED

Many dairy products that do not contain lactose are currently available on our market. Dairy products that have lower lactose levels and can be digested in the body even easier is hard or aged chees (parmesan or cheddar) and yogurt.

DIAGNOSIS

The PHI Avicena Laboratory performs the state-of-the-art genetic testing of lactose intolerance by the method of PCR-reverse hybridization.

The test identifies two polymorphisms located on intron 9 (S / T13910) and 13 (G / A 22018) of the MCM6 gene, which are associated with lactase activity persistence in adults and children over 5 years.

Price for the test: MKD 2.690,00

* Consult your doctor before starting any diet or determining the degree of lactose intolerance.