Lactose Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

The severity of lactose intolerance symptoms can vary based on how much lactose a person can tolerate, the amount consumed, the size of the meal, and its fat content. Some individuals may experience symptoms after ingesting very small amounts of lactose, while others may tolerate larger amounts before they notice any issues. Typically, signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance manifest within 30 minutes to two hours after consuming lactose-containing foods or beverages. Common symptoms include:

Abdominal Pain and Bloating

Abdominal pain and bloating are frequent symptoms of lactose intolerance in both children and adults. When the body struggles to digest lactose, it passes into the colon via the digestive tract, where the colon lining cells fail to absorb lactose, leading to its fermentation and breakdown by naturally occurring gut bacteria. This process generates short-chain fatty acids and gases such as hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. The increased production of these acids and gases can result in abdominal pain and cramps, often felt around the navel in the lower abdomen. Bloating occurs as a result of the intestinal wall stretching due to excess water and gases in the colon.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is characterized by frequent bowel movements or an increase in stool liquidity or volume exceeding 200 grams in 24 hours. Lactose intolerance can lead to diarrhea since the residual acids in the colon, after lactose fermentation, increase the amount of water released by the body into the colon, thus enhancing stool volume and liquidity. Diarrhea is most commonly observed in infants and young children.

Other Symptoms

While gastrointestinal symptoms are the primary signs of lactose intolerance, some individuals may also experience other symptoms, including:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Muscle and joint pain
• Oral ulcers
• Urinary issues
• eczema

It is important to note that these symptoms may have alternative explanations if lactose intolerance is not confirmed as the underlying cause.

Complications of Lactose Intolerance

Individuals with lactose intolerance may face several complications, such as:

• Increased risk of dehydration, weight loss, or electrolyte imbalances due to frequent vomiting or diarrhea.
• Greater susceptibility to gastrointestinal infections or other digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome as a result of untreated lactose intolerance.
• Potential nutrient deficiencies since milk and dairy products are key components of a balanced diet, providing essential vitamins A, B12, D, protein, and calcium. The exclusion of these foods can lead to nutrient deficiencies and associated complications like osteoporosis, characterized by brittle bones that fracture easily upon impact, or osteopenia, which is a reduction of bone density. Moreover, it may result in weight loss and broader nutritional deficiencies.

Overview of Lactose Intolerance

Many mistakenly refer to lactose intolerance (Lactose intolerance) as a food allergy; however, it is defined as the body’s decreased ability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products, due to reduced production of the enzyme lactase. While some individuals may manage dairy products with low levels of lactase, a significant decline in this enzyme can trigger lactose intolerance, leading to distress after consuming dairy products.

For further reading on lactose intolerance, please refer to our article on the subject.

Causes of Lactose Intolerance

Here are some common causes that may lead to lactose intolerance in both children and adults:

• Lactose intolerance is often hereditary, with the body producing decreasing amounts of lactase over time, which can result in symptoms appearing during adolescence or adulthood.
• Some premature infants may experience temporary lactose intolerance due to insufficient lactase production, though the issue usually resolves with time.
• In rare cases, some newborns may be unable to produce lactase from birth.
• Gastroenteritis can temporarily strip the intestine of lactase for several weeks.
• Parasitic infections may also lead to temporary reductions in lactase levels.

Managing Lactose Intolerance

To effectively manage lactose intolerance, it is advisable to seek guidance from a physician or a nutritionist and to make dietary adjustments to control symptoms, while ensuring adequate nutrient intake. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Dietary Changes: Most individuals with lactose intolerance can tolerate small to moderate amounts of lactose. It is recommended to reduce lactose intake to alleviate symptoms, which often involves avoiding items such as milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, and yogurt. Notably, many people with lactose intolerance can consume yogurt, as the bacteria used in its fermentation often contain lactase that assists in lactose digestion during digestion.
• Enzyme Supplements: Taking lactase enzyme supplements or adding them to foods and drinks can aid in lactose digestion, though effectiveness may vary among individuals.
• Probiotics and Prebiotics: Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms, while prebiotics are a type of fiber that nourishes these naturally occurring gut bacteria. Bifidobacteria are among the most beneficial probiotics, commonly found in yogurt and dietary supplements.

Lactose in Foods

Foods Containing Lactose

Depending on the severity and symptoms of lactose intolerance, it is important to read food labels carefully to avoid or limit foods containing lactose, particularly those derived from milk. Examples include:

• Whey
• Cheese
• Dairy products
• Powdered milk
• Butter
• Curd
• Skim milk

For more information on lactose sources, please refer to our article on the topic.

Lactose-Free Foods

Here are several healthy lactose-free food options:

• Legumes such as black beans, kidney beans, lentils, and chickpeas
• Whole grains including barley, buckwheat, quinoa, wheat, oats, and couscous
• Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts
• Fruits such as apples, oranges, berries, peaches, plums, grapes, pineapple, and mango
• Vegetables like onions, garlic, broccoli, kale, spinach, cabbage, zucchini, and carrots
• Meats including beef, lamb, and veal
• Poultry such as chicken and turkey
• Seafood like tuna, mackerel, salmon, anchovies, lobster, sardines, and shellfish
• Eggs
• Healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, sesame oil, and coconut oil
• Herbs and spices such as turmeric, thyme, rosemary, basil, dill, and mint

For a comprehensive list of lactose-free foods, you can read our article on lactase-free diet options.