Lactase Deficiency or Allergy: Similar Symptoms, Different Nature
Lactase deficiency is often mistaken for an allergy to milk protein and vice versa. The confusion arises from the similarity of symptoms. But the nature of these pathologies is different: lactase deficiency is a digestive disorder, and milk allergy is an immune problem. Let's take a closer look at both of these—how they differ and what type of medical help to seek if necessary.
Dr. Angelique
What is lactase deficiency?
Lactose (milk sugar) is a two-component carbohydrate that makes up 99 percent of all carbohydrates in dairy products. It activates the nervous system and is the main source of energy. In the intestines, the sugar lactose is digested by the enzyme lactase. In the case of lactase deficiency, the body simply doesn’t absorb the lactose. It enters the large intestine in a concentrated and undigested form. The most obvious symptoms of lactase deficiency are loose stools and flatulence.
Types of lactase deficiency
Lactase deficiency can be inborn, which affects 5–6 percent of people at the time of birth. Their intestinal mucosa is not damaged, but the enzyme is too small.
Important! For any kind of malfunction of the baby's intestines, you should not ===giv...
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