Lactose maldigestion is normal

Lactose lactase Lactose intolerance lactose maldigestion

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“Yogurt improves lactose digestion” is one of the 10 evidence-based conclusions made by the YINI board about the health effects of yogurt… learn more below

Lactose maldigestion is normal

Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk and other dairy products. It can be broken down by the enzyme lactase in the small intestine into glucose and galactose, two simpler sugars that are readily absorbed into the bloodstream.

After weaning, our ability to digest lactose declines because we produce less lactase. Difficulty in digesting lactose due to this normal reduction in lactase production/activity is known as lactose maldigestion:

Undigested lactose reaching the colon is broken down by the resident microbiota, resulting in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and gases. In most people, this maldigestion produces no noticeable symptoms.

Lactose maldigestion is a difficulty to digest lactose

When lactose maldigestion gives rise to symptoms such as bloating, cramps, diarrhoea and flatulence, this is called lactose intolerance.
Self-diagnosis of lactose intolerance is common, but it is often incorrect and in fact very few people have confirmed clinical lactose intolerance

References:

“Yogurt for health: 10 evidence-based conclusion”