Title: What causes Lactose Intolerance | LactoseIntolerant.org
Headings: What causes Lactose Intolerance?
What causes Lactose Intolerance?
Causes
Genetics
Lactose Intolerance by Ethnic Groups:
Medications & surgery incidence of lactase deficiency

Content: What causes Lactose Intolerance | LactoseIntolerant.org
What causes Lactose Intolerance? Causes
Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine does not produce enough of an enzyme called lactase. Your body needs lactase to break down, or digest, lactose (the sugar found in dairy products). Lactose intolerance generally develops in individuals as they age. People tend to become lactose intolerant around their teenage years, or during adulthood (ages 30 to 40). Generally, lactose intolerance most commonly runs in families and is related to one’s family’s genes. Lactose intolerance can also be brought on by infections, chemotherapy, penicillin reactions, surgery, pregnancy, or from the avoidance of dairy products for a prolonged period of time. Additionally, specific ethnicities are more likely to suffer from lactose intolerance than others. On rare occasions, newborns are lactose-intolerant. Usually newborns outgrow the condition as they get older.