Intolerance to foods which contain
lactose can cause a range of intestinal and systemic symptoms. These symptoms are caused by
Lactase deficiency which is encoded by a single gene (LCT) of ≈ 50 kb located on chromosome 2q21. In some food items,
lactose has been missed because of "hidden"
lactose due to inadequately labeled, confusing diagnosis of
lactose intolerance based on
dietary restriction of dairy foods. Two polymorphisms, C/T13910 and G/A22018, linked to
hypolactasia, correlate with breath
hydrogen and symptoms after
lactose. The key in the management of
lactose intolerance is the dietary removal of
lactose. Patients diagnosed as
lactose intolerant must be advised of "risk" foods, inadequately labeled, including processed meats, bread, cake mixes, soft drinks, and lagers. This review highlights the types, symptoms and management of
lactose intolerance and also highlights differences from
milk allergy which closely mimics the symptoms of
lactose intolerance.