Lactose Intolerance in Little Rock, AR

Lactose intolerance is a result of the body’s inability to make, or a deficiency in the generation of, lactase. A couple of the main reasons your body might not be able to produce a sufficient amount of lactase to help break apart lactose are explained below:

Primary Lactose Intolerance

Primary lactose intolerance is the most frequent type of lactose intolerance and is caused by age. As you age, the less lactase your body generates. This variety of lactose intolerance could partially get passed through hereditary factors and occurs in certain individuals more than others. Per the food intolerance network, milk sugar intolerance occurs in 5 – 17 percent of Europeans, about 44 percent of Americans, about 50 percent of Hispanic/Latino individuals, and 60 – 80 percent of Asians and Africans.

Secondary Lactose Intolerance

Secondary lactose intolerance usually occurs when the small intestine is impaired due to sickness, injury, surgical procedure, or a more severe condition like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease. This is namely because the generation of lactase lowers when the duodenum becomes swollen. Treatment of the disorder might return the purpose of the small intestine (duodenum) and return lactase levels to their standard.

To learn more about lactose intolerance, contact a GastroArkansas location in your community to request an appointment with a gastroenterologist provider who specializes in the condition. Our team can offer knowledgeable tips and information on how to best treat lactose intolerance.