Lactose intolerance is when the body cannot easily break down and digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. Lactose is a disaccharide which means that it is made up of two sugar molecules. For lactose to be digested and utilized, it must be broken down into its monosaccharide’s (single sugar molecules), glucose and galactose y an enzyme called lactase. People who are lactose intolerant are deficient in the enzyme lactase which breaks down the lactose sugars. Also, many people that are lactose intolerant are deficient in friendly bacteria that reside in the intestines called probiotics. Certain probiotics actually make the enzyme lactase so that dairy can be digested properly.

Seventy five percent of adults have a decreased activity of lactase. Lactose intolerance occurs more in those of African, Asian, Native American, and South American descent than those who are of European descent. In America, Seventy five percent of African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, and Native Americans are lactose intolerant; ninety percent of Asian-Americans are lactose intolerant. It is theorized that the ability to digest milk after nursing, is an evolutionary trait that we used to not have. It is suspected that the first adaptation to this was in what is now modern day Turkey and was spread across Europe. This is why people of European descent are less likely to be lactose intolerant.

There are many symptoms that being lactose intolerant can cause. Diarrhea, cramps, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, a rumbling or an upset stomach are some of these symptoms. The symptoms typically worsen depending on the amount of lactose consumed; most lactose intolerant people are able to handle little amounts of lactose with little or no symptoms. Symptoms often occur anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour after the consumption of a dairy product.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans stemming from the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse recommends that people with lactose intolerance choose milk products with lower levels of lactose than regular milk, such as yogurt and hard cheese. Lactose-free and lactose-reduced milk and milk products available at most supermarkets are identical to regular milk except that the lactase enzyme has been added. Although this can work, many times the commercially used lactase enzyme is weak and not temperature stable. If you have tried a milk with lactase or taken a normal lactase supplement without success, it could be that the lactase enzyme was not powerful enough or it wasn’t accompanied by precursor probiotics and other nutrients.

It is stated by the National Digestive Diseases clearinghouse that “People who still experience symptoms after dietary changes can take over the counter lactase enzymes”.

PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN LACTOSE

Milk and milk products are often added to processed foods—foods that have been altered to prolong their shelf life. People with lactose intolerance should be aware of the many food products that may contain even small amounts of lactose, such as

· Bread and other baked goods

· Waffles, pancakes, biscuits, cookies and mixes to make them

· Processed breakfast foods such as doughnuts, frozen waffles and pancakes, toaster pastries, and sweet rolls

· Processed breakfast cereals

· Instant potatoes, soups and breakfast drinks

· Potato chips, corn chips and other processed snacks

· Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and lunch meats

· Margarine

· Salad dressings

· Liquid and powdered milk-based meal replacements

· Protein powders and bars

· Candies

· Non-dairy liquid and powdered coffee creamers

· Non-dairy whipped toppings

Checking the ingredients on food labels is helpful in finding possible sources of lactose in food products. If any of the following words are listed on a food label, the product contains lactose;

· Milk

· Lactose

· Whey

· Curd

· Milk by-products

· Dry milk solids

· Non-fat dry milk powder

*Lactose is also used in some prescription medicines, including birth control pills, and over the counter medicines like products to treat stomach acid and gas. These medicines almost often cause symptoms in people with severe lactose intolerance.

Points to remember as pointed out by the National Digestive Disease Center;

· Lactose intolerance is the inability or insufficient ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products.

· Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells lining the small intestine

· Not all people with lactase deficiency have digestive symptom’s, but those who do may have lactose intolerance.

· People with lactose intolerant may feel uncomfortable after consuming milk and milk product. Symptoms can include abdominal pain abdominal bloating, gas, diarrhea, and nausea.

Lacto-Gluten-Zyme is the only formula on the market that utilizes a specially cultivated potent plant enzyme lactase. Unlike other formulas, the lactase used is produced by the controlled fermentation of Asperfillus oryzae. It has the ability to hydrolyze lactose over a wide range of temperatures and pH. This formula also contains an enzyme producing probiotic blend that is patent proven to handle the acidity of the stomach environment and help digest lactose contained in foods.

One capsule should be all that’s needed to handle lactose at any one meal. If you are concerned about the annoying symptoms accompanied by not digesting lactose or if you understand the possible long term health detriments of not breaking down the lactose sugars in milk, then you should give Lacto-Gluten-Zyme a try.