Sun, May-21-06, 13:04
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Plan: Paleoish/Keto
Stats: 225/167/175
BF:18%
Progress: 116%
Location: Longmont, Colorado
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Rheneas
Not strictly true, humans continue to produce the digestive enzyme lactase throughout their lives which is used to break down lactose in dairy food so not only infants benefit from milk products. I don't know why we do but we just do. Those who are 'lactose intolerant' (an overly misused common selfdiagnosis of the modern age) may simply have reduced production of lactase.
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The frequency in humans of lactose intolerance varies a lot depending upon your ancestry.
http://www.diagnosishealth.com/lactose1.htm
Lactose intolerance (LI) is a common disorder that affects a quarter of the US population and may affect as many as 75% of the world population. The prevalence varies by race and ethnicity. It is more common among African-Americans, Hispanics and oriental population. In India, for example, it is seen in 25% of north Indian and 70% of south Indian population.
Most common for is the adult-type or primary deficiency where there is usually deficiency of Lactase enzyme activity and not complete absence. Congenital lactase deficiency is rare.
Milk intolerance suggests onset of symptoms after drinking milk and not necessarily lactose intolerance.
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance include bloating, stomach pains, diarrhea and gassiness. Symptoms may occur in some patients even when their lactase enzyme activity is within normal limits. This may occur in 5% of adults. Thus, some people erroneously think that their symptoms are due to lactase deficiency when that is not true.
Lactose restricted diet may improve symptoms not only in lactase deficient patients but also in irritable bowel syndrome in adults and recurrent abdominal pain in kids. |