Welcome to Doctor's Corner, where medical experts from Makati Medical Center will answer health questions from readers! Got a question? Send them over to [email protected].
Why are there more lactose intolerant people these days?
I’d like to think there are more people with lactose intolerance because they have become aware of and sensitive to their body’s unfavorable reaction to lactose, or the sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
Those unpleasant symptoms (gas, bloating, cramps, nausea, diarrhea) are the result of the small intestine producing less and less lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, which is absorbed by the body. It’s part of the natural aging process, which is why there are more adults than children who are lactose intolerant.
Lactose intolerance can also run in the family, and it is more common in persons of Asian, Native American, and Hispanic descent.
Why do I feel fine after eating certain dairy products, while others make me run to the toilet?
Because some dairy products contain more lactose than others, and those make you run fast. Milk, soft cheeses (like Ricotta or cream cheese), and yogurt, as well as mashed potatoes and cream-based soups are rich in lactose.
If you love dairy products but don’t like how they make you feel, go for food that is low in lactose: dark chocolate, aged cheese (like Cheddar, Parmesan or Swiss), butter, cottage cheese, and probiotic or Greek yogurt are some examples.
The best way to know how much lactose is in a product is by reading the food label. Sensitivity varies, but many people begin to feel symptoms with foods containing more than a few grams of lactose per serving.
Consider: There is 12-13g of lactose in one glass of milk (roughly 250ml). So, if 1 tablespoon is 15 grams, one would need 2-3 tablespoons of powdered whole milk in 1 glass water to have roughly the same lactose.
Evaporated milk has at least 12 grams of lactose per 100 grams, while powdered milk is highly concentrated at 35 grams of lactose per 100 grams of whole milk powder.
To avoid the symptoms of lactose intolerance, you can also take lactose pills, which provide the enzyme to break down the sugar found in daily products. They can be bought without a prescription, but it’s best to consult your healthcare provider if they are safe and if you need them.
For more health and wellness tips and educational reads, subscribe to GMA News Online's weekly newsletter, The Boost. Don't forget to confirm your email after signing up! — LA, GMA Integrated News
Oliver Neil C. Cruz, MD, FPCP is an Internal Medicine specialist and consultant in the Section of Gastroenterology at Makati Medical Center. He is a diplomate of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology and the Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy.