Difference between revisions of "Lactose intolerance"
DrSandstone (Talk | contribs) m |
|||
Line 9: | Line 9: | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
[[Category: Food and drink]] | [[Category: Food and drink]] | ||
+ | [[Category: Medicine]] | ||
+ | [[Category: Biology]] |
Revision as of 19:53, April 26, 2007
Lactose intolerance is a condition wherein an individual cannot digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. When a lactose intolerant individual ingests any form of milk, he or she will get a stomachache. Other symptoms include cramps and bloating. Such individuals do not produce an enzyme called lactase that breaks down lactose after weaning.[1]
The proportion of lactose intolerant individuals varies by region on the planet. 99% of Chinese are lactose intolerant, whereas only 10% of Americans are. Recent research indicates that lactose intolerance is high where cows were not domesticated. [2]At higher latitudes, lactose intolerance decreases. As average temperature increases, lactose intolerance increases.[3]
Lactose tolerance is determined by a recessive gene. Researchers have recently identified a DNA mutation that allows people to tolerate milk.[4]