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Article: Facts to digest; Lactose intolerance a problem with enzymes.(Life-Health)
- Article from:
- Albany Times Union (Albany, NY)
- Article date:
- December 11, 2007
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 Albany Times Union. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: NINA MARINELLO
DEAR HEALTHY PROFESSOR: What is lactose intolerance?
A: Lactose intolerance is an inability to completely digest the milk sugar lactose. Certain ethnic groups are genetically more susceptible to lactose intolerance, yet most of us will experience an increase in lactose intolerance as we age.
The reason for lactose intolerance is usually due to a decrease in the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest the milk sugar into smaller units that can be absorbed through the GI tract. The enzyme is made in the small intestine where nutrient absorption occurs. It sits at the cell surface like a pair of scissors waiting for the ...