
19. What Are The Different Kinds of Lactose Intolerance?
Did you know that there are different kinds of lactose intolerance? To be more specific, there are four different kinds, all caused by various sources and different stages in a person’s life. The symptoms are exactly the same, but the cause of this condition appears that provide them with their other names. This first is primary lactose intolerance and is the most common form that exists. After the age of five, the human body no longer produces lactase to digest milk. As these levels drop, it becomes more difficult for the human body to digest lactose.
Next, there is secondary lactose intolerance, which results from some injury, illness, or surgery that has taken place. These incidents can affect the small intestine in some way, leading to it making less lactase. Diseases such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease reduce the levels of lactase being produced. Developmental lactose intolerance is the third form and mostly happens in premature babies. It only lasts for a short time after birth, however, and goes away on its own. Congenital lactose intolerance is the rarest form and occurs when there is no lactase being produced at all from birth. It’s a genetic disorder that the parents have passed on.