Lactose is a type of sugar found primarily in milk and dairy products. In order for lactose sugar to be broken down into the small sugars (monosaccharides) that make it up, it must be processed in the small intestines by an enzyme called lactase. In the absence of the lactase enzyme, lactose in milk and dairy products cannot be digested. As a result of this situation, complaints such as excessive gas, bloating, cramps and diarrhea occur. These complaints are called lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is the inability to tolerate lactose dissaccharide (milk sugar), the main carbohydrate of milk, by the body.
There are two types of lactose intolerance, which is seen in approximately 75% of the society today: Primary Lactose Intolerance and Secondary Lactose Intolerance. Primary Lactose Intolerance is the most common type of lactose intolerance. Primary lactose intolerance occurs as lactase enzyme production decreases in the body with advancing age. This type of lactose intolerance is more common in some societies; These rates are 5-17% in Europeans, 44% in Americans, and 60-80% in Asians and Africans. The other type, secondary lactose intolerance, is rare and occurs due to digestive system disorders such as stomach diseases, Celiac disease and Crohn’s that damage the lactase production in the intestine. Lactose intolerance usually manifests itself with symptoms of bloating, abdominal pain or cramping, diarrhea, gas, nausea and constipation within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption of milk and dairy products.
Small bowel biopsy, Lactose tolerance test, Lactose Breath Test and genetic tests are performed by expert gastroenterologists to diagnose lactose intolerance. After diagnosis, the treatment process begins. The treatment process is initiated jointly by specialist gastroenterologists and specialist dietitians. During the treatment process, firstly, milk and dairy products containing lactose are removed from the individuals’ diet and lactose-free milk and dairy products are added. The aim of the treatment method is not to completely keep lactose away from the individual. Since completely removing lactose from the diet will stop the absorption of calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D by the body, treatment focuses on prolonging the intestinal transit time of lactose, adapting to lactose intake and reregulating lactase activity. For this reason, through clinical tests, the level at which individuals can tolerate lactose is determined and their nutrition is regulated. Probiotic supplements that will help lactose digestion are also added to their diet. In this way, it is aimed to improve the intestinal flora and try to relieve the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Food intolerances are very important disorders that can have symptoms that threaten the health of the individual. Food intolerances can be controlled with the help of gastroenterologists and dietitians. Turkey offers successful food intolerance treatments and dietary counselling with its highly experienced gastroenterology specialists and dietitians As Prospero Medical, we offer modern, advanced, bespoke treatment packages in collobration with high-profile gastroentelogist and dieticians in Izmir and Istanbul to help individuals struggling with the intense symptoms of food intolerance lead a healthier life.
