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Article: Lactose Intolerance
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- Nutrition and Well-Being A to Z
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CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 The Gale Group, Inc. 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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Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance
is the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the primary sugar in milk. This inability results from a shortage of the
enzyme
lactase, which is normally produced by the cells that line the small intestine. Lactase breaks down lactose into simpler forms that can then be absorbed into the bloodstream during the digestive process. Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include
nausea
, cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Structure and Functions of Lactose
Lactose is a
disaccharide carbohydrate
, composed of the two monosaccharides,
glucose
and galactose. When lactose reaches the digestive system, the lactase enzyme breaks down ...