What does it mean to be lactose intolerant?

Lactose intolerance refers to the inability of the body to effectively digest lactose, which is a disaccharide sugar found in milk and dairy products. This condition results from a deficiency in lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, which can then be absorbed in the intestines. When someone with lactose intolerance consumes dairy, they may experience various symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain due to the undigested lactose fermenting in the gut.

Understanding this condition is crucial for individuals who may need to adjust their diets to avoid discomfort from lactose-containing foods. Those affected can often manage their symptoms by reducing or eliminating dairy products from their diets or by using lactase supplements to aid in digestion. Consequently, the correct choice recognizes the core issue of lactose intolerance: a significant difficulty or inability to digest lactose.