Lactase is a protein that is naturally found in your small intestine. It helps break down lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products, into smaller sugar units that can be absorbed into your bloodstream and therefore used as a source of energy for your body. If you are lactose intolerant, you have very low levels of lactase and high levels of lactose. This lactose will interact with bacteria in your intestines and result in common symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and gas.
Lactose intolerance is a normal condition that accompanies the aging process. If you consumed a lot of dairy products during your childhood years for strong bone growth, your body would have made a lot of lactase protein to break down the lactose found in dairy products. However, as you get older, you diet may have changed to consist of fewer dairy products. The fewer dairy products you consume, the less lactase your body will make. Once your body’s production of lactase decreases, it is not possible for your body to naturally restore the levels of lactase back to its original level. You may also develop lactose intolerance after an injury or surgery to the small intestine. In rare cases, you may also be born with lactose intolerance.
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