Can i develop lactose intolerance as an adult

Both parents need the gene mutation to pass it on. Developmental lactose intolerance is typically temporary. It can occur at any age. Secondary lactose intolerance is caused by a problem in your small intesti ne. If this problem creates a shortage of lactase, then you may develop lactose intolerance.

As you get older, your body naturally produces less lactase. This can cause you to develop secondary lactase intolerance without a triggering condition. You can develop lactose intolerance at any age. This can result in your small intestine producing an inadequate supply of lactase. Also, as you age, your body naturally starts to product less lactase and that could result in the development of lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance is common and can cause a wide range of symptoms. Here are 5 signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance. So if you suspect you are intolerant, it is important to discuss it with your primary care provider to make sure there are no other medical or nutritional concerns. Some medical tests can help accurately diagnose the condition so that people can treat their symptoms appropriately.

A hydrogen breath test , which is administered by a gastroenterology specialist, measures how much hydrogen is in the breath after consuming dairy products. It tests for hydrogen because the body turns undigested lactose into hydrogen gas. Blood tests are another type of laboratory test that can help diagnose lactose intolerance. A blood test looks for elevated blood glucose levels after the patient consumes a standard amount of lactose.

Secondary lactose intolerance may go away after the intestinal tract heals and begins to function normally again, which could take weeks or months. Managing this intolerance is usually a matter of making diet changes, but some medications may be helpful.

Many doctors agree that the best way to treat an intolerance is to avoid consuming lactose to begin with. Lactose is in dairy products and non-dairy products, so reading food and medication labels is important.

Barry Sears, Ph. Sears recommends lactose-free milk products as a source of high-quality protein. Health food stores will typically carry these types of foods, and regular grocery stores are starting to stock up on things like lactose-free milk as consumer demands go up.

Substitutes have become quite trendy. In the milk aisle, you might find soy, rice, almond, coconut, macadamia, and oat milk alternatives. Fatty fishes, eggs, mushrooms, green leafy vegetables, and nuts are all great sources of calcium and vitamin D. Some medicines help the digestive system process lactose.

Over-the-counter drops and tablets that contain the lactase can help with digestion. Adding drops of lactase to milk before drinking it, or taking a tablet before eating dairy products can make a big difference.

In primary lactose intolerance, lactase production declines below normal at some point for reasons that are unclear. The low amount of lactase then makes milk products difficult to digest and leads to lactose intolerance symptoms. Your doctor can confirm a diagnosis of lactose intolerance with a clinical test.

After you consume a drink containing lactose, a sample of your blood is taken to measure glucose levels. Alternatively, another test called the hydrogen breath test may be used. This test also requires you to consume a drink that contains high levels of lactose. Your doctor next measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath. Normally, very little hydrogen is detectable.

Your intestines absorb those gases, and you exhale them.