Lactose Intolerance in Tulsa, OK

Lactose intolerance is a result of your body’s inability to generate, or a deficiency in the production of, lactase. Two reasons why the body is unable to generate enough lactase to assist break down lactose are explained below:

Primary Lactose Intolerance

Primary lactose intolerance is the most common variation of lactose intolerance and is due to age. As you age, the less lactase your body produces. This type of lactose intolerance can sometimes be passed through family lines genetically and occurs in certain individuals more than other people. As stated by the food intolerance network, lactase deficiency occurs in 5–17% of Europeans, approximately 44% of Americans, nearly 50% of Latino/Hispanic individuals, and 60–80% of Asians and Africans.

Secondary Lactose Intolerance

Secondary lactose intolerance generally occurs when the small intestine is impaired because of an illness, trauma, 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 could help the small intestine function properly again and normalize lactase levels.

For additional information about lactose intolerance, contact an Adult Gastroenterology Associates location in your community to request a consultation with a GI provider who specializes in this condition. Our team can offer professional suggestions and methods on how to best manage lactose intolerance.