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Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase. When people with lactose intolerance consume milk products, they may have symptoms such as abdominal bloating, excessive intestinal gas, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping.

Lactose intolerance is very common in adults and is not dangerous. Many adults, by the time they are 20 years old (approximately 30 million Americans), have some degree of lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance is common in premature babies, but in term birth babies, it generally does not show up until they are at least 3 years old.

Eliminating milk from the diet can result in a deficiency of calcium, Vitamin D, riboflavin, and protein. Therefore, a milk substitute is a necessity. For infants under 2 years old, soy formulas are adequate substitutes. Good alternatives for toddlers and teens are soymilk or rice milk. Older children may also use lactase treated milk or find alternate dairy sources, such as cheese or yogurt.

Lactose intolerance is more common in Asian, African, African-American, Native American, and Mediterranean populations than in northern and western Europeans.

Lactase deficiency may also occur as a result of intestinal diseases such as celiac sprue and gastroenteritis, or it may follow gastroduodenal surgery. Temporary lactase deficiency can result from viral and bacterial enteritis, especially in children, when the mucosal cells of the intestine are injured.

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