Lactose Intolerance

Question 1

Occurs when:

Answer 1

Not enough enzyme lactase is produced in the gut, so lactose is left undigested

Question 2

Lactose is found in…

Answer 2

Milk and products made using milk:

• cheese
• butter
• yoghurt
• ice cream

May also be added to some processes foods (bread and cereals)

Question 3

Undigested lactose causes …

Answer 3

The growth of bacteria in the gut that feed on the lactose

The bacteria produce gas causing symptoms

Question 4

Undigested lactose causes…

Answer 4

The water potential of the gut content to be lowered

Leading to diarrhoea

Question 5

Symptoms of lactose intolerance:

Answer 5

Nausea
Stomach cramps
Bloating
Diarrhoea

Question 6

Treated by:

Answer 6

Change in diet
Stop eating foods contain lactose
Lactase enzyme tablets

Question 7

Causes:

Answer 7

Few people are born with the condition
Usually develops after the age of 2
Some injuries to the small intestine can reduce the amount of lactase produced

Question 8

Reducing the lactose content in milk by…

Answer 8

Buying milk that has had it’s lactose content reduced by using enzymes
Milk is artificially treated with purified lactase to make it suitable