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Article: Genetic glitch may cause lactose intolerance, could lead to better diagnostic test
- Article from:
- AP Worldstream
- Article date:
- January 14, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightProvided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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Dateline: NEW YORK
Scientists have apparently identified a genetic cause of lactose intolerance,
a relatively common condition worldwide. The work may lead to a simple
diagnostic blood test.
People with the condition can't digest significant amounts of lactose,
the main sugar of milk. So, soon after they eat or drink dairy products,
they can feel nausea, cramps, bloating, gas and diarrhea. The condition
is usually managed by avoiding or limiting the offending foods.
While there are several causes of lactose intolerance, it mostly commonly
appears when people lose the ability to make enough of the enzyme
lactase, which breaks down lactose. The study focused on this form ...