Lactose intolerance is a condition in which people do not have enough lactase, a digestive enzyme that is produced in the small intestine and is responsible for breaking down lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Without sufficient lactase, lactose cannot be properly digested and can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Lactase is typically produced in high levels during infancy, when breast milk is the primary source of nutrition. However, as children get older, lactase production naturally declines, leading to lactose intolerance in many individuals. The prevalence of lactose intolerance varies significantly around the world, with higher rates in certain ethnic groups, such as those of East Asian and African descent.
