Lactose Intolerance Causes
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Causes of Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is caused by an inadequate amount of the digestive enzyme lactase. Lactase breaks down the sugar lactose into sugars the bloodstream can more easily absorb. When not fully broken down, lactose ferments in the colon (large intestine) and causes symptoms.
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Some people are born with the inability to make the enzyme lactase. Others develop the intolerance over time.
Causes of lactose intolerance include:
- Aging (lactase decreases as people age)
- Viral Gastroenteritis (or infection in the intestinal tract)
- Nontropical and tropical sprue
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Immunoglobulin deficiencies
- Ulcerative Colitis
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implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A
MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment
or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright ©2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights
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