Lactose Intolerance and Bone Health

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), between 30 and 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is a condition that results from a deficit of lactase, an enzyme produced by the cells lining the small intestine. Lactase is necessary to digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. When sufficient lactase is not present, lactose is not properly broken down in the small bowel and travels through the intestines unchanged. In the intestines, undigested lactose has a laxative effect and stimulates the growth of bacteria that produce significant amounts of gas. Within 30 minutes to two hours after ingesting lactose, abdominal cramping and diarrhea often occur. These symptoms are essential to a diagnosis of lactose intolerance.