Lactose Intolerance in Utah

Lactose intolerance develops as a consequence of the body's difficulty producing lactase to aid in digestion. A couple of the main causes why the body is unable to yield enough lactase to help break up lactose are explained below:

Primary Lactose Intolerance

Primary lactose intolerance is the most common form of lactose intolerance and is caused by age. The more you age, the less lactase your body generates. This sort of lactose intolerance could partially be passed through family lines genetically and affects certain people more often than others. According to the food intolerance network, lactose intolerance affects 5 – 17% of Europeans, about 44% of Americans, about 50% of Hispanic/Latino people, and 60 – 80% of Asians and Africans.

Secondary Lactose Intolerance

Secondary lactose intolerance mostly occurs when the small intestine (duodenum) is impaired because of an illness, injury, surgical procedure, or more severe condition like Crohn's disease or Celiac disease. This is due to the production of lactase lessens when the small intestine becomes enlarged. Treatment of the condition might return the function of the duodenum (small intestine) and revive lactase levels to their typical nature.

To learn more about lactose intolerance, contact a Utah Gastroenterology location in your community to connect with a gastrointestinal provider who focuses on the condition. Our GI providers can give professional tips and details on how to best manage lactose intolerance.