Lactose Intolerance

• The inability to digest lactose because of the deficiency of the lactase enzyme
• This condition occurs because the body does not produce enough the enzyme
• It may be acquired or genetic
• It is common in northern European Caucasians
• Lactose tolerance test:
  • A test for the lactase deficiency:
    • Patients drink liquid which contains milk sugar
    • The patient's blood is then tested
    • If the test measures a certain amount of milk sugar in the blood is indicative of the presence of lactase