Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs, when the small intestine cannot process the enzyme lactase due to a deficiency. The unprocessed milk sugar remains in the digestive tract, increases water and is processed only partially. Lactose intolerance manifests itself mostly in flatulence, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

Lactose intolerance can occur in combination with celiac disease. In the treatment of celiac disease, the gluten-free diet must therefore be adapted to other food intolerances and allergies.

In most cases it is a sufficient therapy for lactose intolerance to avoid food containing lactose. Meanwhile, numerous milk products on the market, of which the share of lactose is reduced and therefore can be consumed by lactose-intolerant people without symptoms. There is the possibility to take lactase in the form of preparations in order to break down the milk sugar by the supplied enzymes.