Lactose Intolerance in Northwest Arkansas

Lactose intolerance stems from the body's inability to create (or a shortage in the production of) lactase. Among the major reasons why your body is not able to produce enough lactase to efficiently digest lactose are:

Primary Lactose Intolerance

Primary lactose intolerance is the more frequent kind of lactose intolerance and is due to the aging process. As you age, the less lactase your body yields. This type of lactose intolerance may partially get passed through hereditary factors and occurs in certain populations to a greater extent than others. Per the food intolerance network, milk intolerance impacts 5 – 17% of Europeans, about 44% of Americans, approximately 50% of Hispanic/Latino people, and 60 – 80% of Asians and Africans.

Secondary Lactose Intolerance

Secondary lactose deficiency typically happens when the small intestine is harmed because of a sickness, injury, surgical procedure, or more challenging problem like Crohn's disease or Celiac disease. This is because the production of lactase diminishes when the small intestine is inflamed. Treatment of the disorder can return the function of the small intestine and reinstate lactase amounts to normal.

To learn more about lactose intolerance, connect with a GI Alliance of Arkansas location near you to request an appointment with a gastroenterologist provider who can provide care for the condition. Our staff can offer professional advice and information on how to manage lactose intolerance.