Lactose intolerance

• Fact: Lactose intolerance is a digestive difficulty that's very widespread.
• What you can do: Dietary changes can help you control symptoms and manage the condition.
• Did you know? The prevalence of lactose intolerance varies widely in different populations. About 5 percent of people of European ancestry have it, while the proportion is much higher among certain African and Asian subpopulations.

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. It stems from a shortage of enzymes in the small intestine that break down milk sugar.

The condition, which causes abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea almost immediately after you consume products that contain lactose. is extremely common. As many as 50 million Americans suffer from it.

We test for a genetic variant that can predict this condition, particularly in people of European descent. The genetic variation shuts down production of an enzyme that's critical to the digestion of dairy products.

Knowing from a genetic test that you are lactose intolerant can help you and your doctor manage the condition and minimize symptoms. By making changes to your diet, you can make a difference in your health and well-being.

You may find reduced-lactose milk and other dairy products easier to tolerate. Lactase supplements can also be helpful in easing symptoms.