History of Lactose
Intolerance What are Lactose and Lactase
Intolerance Lactose Intolerance Facts
Gas, Flatulence, and Lactose
Digestion Pictures and Diagrams and Charts
Easy 15 step explanation of
1. Lactose is milk sugar contained in dairy products.
2. Lactose is an enzyme naturally produced by our bodies early in life when mammals are nursing.
3. We cannot digest lactose without lactase which facilitates the mild sugar digestion.
4. Enzymes make things happen in our bodies and speed up these reactions.
5. Lactase is and enzyme that is produced early in life in humans.
6. Many people stop producing Lactase early in life, and begin to have problems digesting milk products.
7. Previous to about 70 years ago, stopping production or Lactase was not a problem because our ancestors did
not continue to ingest dairy products after they stopped nursing.
8. About 70 years ago products from the dairy industry started to become widely available. Commercials ordered
parents to give their kids milk for calcium and to ensure the kids had sufficient amount of Vitamin D which was
added to the dairy product.
9. Lactase is produced in our Small Intestines which is where infants and most people digest dairy products. If
lactose digestion occurs in the Small Intestine the breakdown of the milk sugars is done by Aerobic Bacteria. These
bacteria utilize oxygen.
10. If there is no Lactase produced, the consumed dairy cannot be digested and moves into the Large
11. Anaerobic Bacteria in the Large Intestine are able to break down lactose.
12. This alternate pathway of digesting lactose produces gas, bloating, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, and other
13. As with many digestive disorders, Lactose Intolerance can be confused with IBS, IBD, Celiac Disease, and
14. People may be able to consume some dairy products, such as aged cheeses and probiotic yoghurts without as
15. Some people such as Asians are more susceptible to lactose Intolerance than others.
Information on Lactose Intolerance