People who cannot easily digest lactose are said to have lactose intolerance. That is because they do not have enough lactase, an enzyme in the digestive system that helps to break down the lactose in food.

The most common symptoms of lactose intolerance are mild discomfort in the abdomen, a bloated feeling, wind and diarrhoea. You can't be sure you have lactose intolerance from these symptoms alone, however, since they can be
caused by other conditions. Your doctor can test you to find out for sure, but that probably isn't necessary unless your symptoms are severe. Lactose intolerance generally isn't serious, and can be controlled by some simple changes in your diet (The Gut Foundation).

Understanding lactose intolerance

• lactose intolerance - National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (USA)
• lactose intolerance
• lactose intolerance and the breast fed baby
• lactose intolerance and the breast fed baby
• lactose intolerance in babies
• reactions to food
• understanding lactose intolerance?

Managing lactose intolerance

• low lactose diet

Also see

• coeliac disease
• coeliac disease
• diarrhoea: causes and symptoms
• food allergy