Custom «Lactose Intolerance» Essay Paper Sample

Lactose Intolerance refers to the lack of sufficient ability to properly digest a sugar that is present in milk and milk products called lactose responsible for the break down of lactose into readily absorbable compounds; galactose and glucose. This condition is caused by lack of an enzyme lactase formed in the ileum. Moreover, not all people who develop digestive symptoms can be termed as having lactase deficiency; however, any individual who has can be suffering from inability to endure lactose. There are various causes of ones inability to tolerate lactose which have everything to do with insufficient lactase production. These include the body's inability to produce sufficient amounts of lactose right from child hood with this continuing through adulthood hence the condition. Similarly, the condition has been identified as genetically linked. Lactase deficiency can also be caused by injury to the ileum walls making t impossible to produce the enzyme hence the condition.

Lactose intolerance is more prevalent in adult hood with its chances increasing with old age. Moreover, the condition has been established to be common among some ethnic groups as compared to others. The symptoms of lactose intolerance are several including gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea; abdominal bloating and nausea among others. At the same time, there are various ways to test Lactose intolerance including medical tests and physical examination. Other tests such as the hydrogen breathe test and stool acid test can too be used to measure ones ability to digest lactose hence recommend treatment. Lactose intolerance can be managed by visiting a doctor or dietician who would then recommend a balanced diet to yield the required nutrients such a s calcium and vitamin D. This would also enable a medical practitioner or dietician to ascertain the nutrients required by an individual to manage the condition hence offering relief. Research is ongoing to ascertain the best ways of managing and treating this condition.