Lactose Maldigestion: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Lactose maldigestion is insufficient lactase enzyme to digest milk sugar (lactose). Lactase breaks lactose into glucose and galactose. Without it, lactose remains in the gut, causing:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Nausea, vomiting
Affects up to 75% globally; more common in African, Asian, Latin American descent; increases with age. Diagnosis via breath, blood, or stool test. Management: limit lactose, use lactase supplements.
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