What type of diarrhea is caused by lactose intolerance

In humans, an enzyme known as lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose for digestion. This is particularly important in infants, who need lactase to digest breast milk. This is particularly common for people of non-European descent. Some people may also develop lactose intolerance after surgery or due to gastrointestinal diseases such as viral or bacterial infections. Stomach pain and bloating are common symptoms of lactose intolerance in both children and adults. When the body is unable to break down lactose, it passes through the gut until it reaches the colon 1.

Carbohydrates such as lactose cannot be absorbed by the cells lining the colon, but they can be fermented and broken down by the naturally occurring bacteria that live there, known as the microflora 2. This fermentation causes the release of short-chain fatty acids, as well as the gases hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide 1.

The resulting increase in acids and gases can lead to stomach pain and cramps. The pain is usually located around the navel and in the lower half of the tummy.

The sensation of bloating is caused by an increase of water and gas in the colon, which causes the gut wall to stretch, also known as distention 2. Interestingly, the amount of bloating and pain is not related to the amount of lactose ingested, but to the sensitivity of the individual to feelings of distention. Therefore, the frequency and severity of symptoms can vary significantly between individuals 2 , 3.

Finally, the bloating, distension and pain may result in nausea or even vomiting in some people. This is rare but has been observed in some cases, including in children 4 , 5. Diarrhea is defined as increased stool frequency, liquidity or volume. Officially, passing more than 7 ounces grams of stool in a hour period is classified as diarrhea 6.

Lactose intolerance causes diarrhea by increasing the volume of water in the colon, which increases the volume and liquid content of the stool. It is more common in babies and young children than in adults 1 , 7. In the colon, microflora ferment lactose to short-chain fatty acids and gases. Most, but not all, of these acids are absorbed back into the colon.

The leftover acids and lactose increase the amount of water that the body releases into the colon 1 , 2.

Generally, more than 1. For lactose, this is the equivalent of drinking 3—4 cups about ml to 1 liter of milk, assuming none of the lactose is digested before reaching the colon 2. However, not all carbohydrates that cause diarrhea come from lactose. Finally, there are many other causes of diarrhea apart from lactose intolerance.

These include diet, other kinds of malabsorption, medications, infections and inflammatory bowel diseases 6. The fermentation of lactose in the colon increases the production of the gases hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide 1 , 8. In fact, in people with lactose intolerance, the colon microflora become very good at fermenting lactose into acids and gases. This results in more lactose being fermented in the colon, which further increases flatulence 2.

The amount of gas produced can differ enormously from person to person due to differences in the efficiency of the microflora, as well as the rate of gas reabsorption by the colon 2. Interestingly, gases produced from lactose fermentation have no odor. In fact, the odor of flatulence comes from the breakdown of proteins in the gut, not carbohydrates 2. The fermentation of lactose in the colon can lead to increased flatulence, and the extent to which this occurs can vary significantly from person to person.

The gas produced from the fermentation of lactose is odorless. Examples include:. Milk and milk products are often added to processed foods. Even some nondairy creamers and medications may contain milk products and lactose. Lactose intolerance cannot be prevented. The symptoms of lactose intolerance can be prevented by eating less dairy. Drinking low-fat or fat-free milk may also result in fewer symptoms. Try dairy milk alternatives such as:.

This article examines the health effects of dairy products, which seem to vary greatly between individuals. Many people are intolerant to dairy. Some people can't tolerate dairy or choose not to eat it for other reasons. This article lists substitutes for 7 common dairy foods. Cooking without dairy ingredients can be tricky. Here are 21 dairy-free desserts to choose from, featuring…. Vegan cheeses are made from various plant-based ingredients and come in many styles and flavors.

This article explores some of the best dairy-free…. IBS is a disorder of bowel function whereas lactose intolerance is related to an enzyme needed to digest dairy. A lactose tolerance test measures how well your body can process lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products, using the enzyme lactase. Do the symptoms of lactose intolerance have a typical expiration date? Yes and no. Here's what you can expect to happen with your bloating, pain, and….

You can develop lactose intolerance at any age. It could be age related or triggered by a condition — such as Crohn's disease — if it restricts…. Lactose intolerance is common and can cause a wide range of symptoms. Here are 5 signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M. Types of lactose intolerance. What to look for. How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?

How is lactose intolerance treated? Adjusting to a lactose-free diet and lifestyle. Food allergies are caused by your immune system reacting to a certain type of food. This causes symptoms such as a rash, wheezing and itching. If you're allergic to something, even a tiny particle can be enough to trigger a reaction, while most people with lactose intolerance can still consume small amounts of lactose without experiencing any problems, although this varies from person to person.

There's no cure for lactose intolerance, but cutting down on food and drink containing lactose usually helps to control the symptoms. Your GP may also recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements. You may be advised to take lactase substitutes, which are drops or tablets you can take with your meals or drinks to improve your digestion of lactose. Milk and other dairy products contain calcium, protein and vitamins, such as A, B12 and D.

Lactose also helps your body absorb a number of other minerals, such as magnesium and zinc. These vitamins and minerals are important for the development of strong, healthy bones. If you're lactose intolerant, getting the right amount of important vitamins and minerals can prove difficult. This may lead to unhealthy weight loss and put you at increased risk of developing the following conditions:.

If you're concerned that dietary restrictions are putting you at risk of complications, you may find it helpful to consult a dietitian. They can advise you on your diet and whether you require food supplements. Or you can contact a private dietitian.