Genetic Factors Impacting Lactose Intolerance
Chillin' With Milk: The Lactose Intolerance Unveiled
When it comes to New Zealand's love for milk, you might be taken aback to learn that most adults worldwide can't handle their dairy fix. Yep, you read that right! Most adults are lactose intolerant, meaning they can't consume dairy products without feeling less than fabulous.
From Babies to Broken Up Dairy
You might be wondering, "How does that work?" Well, let's dive right in! The ability to enjoy milk and milk products is passed down from our parents. Babies, of course, drink milk, but after weaning, some lose the knack for dairy without any stomach issues. This is what we call lactose intolerance.
If you're lactose intolerant and you guzzle down a glass of milk, expect to feel queasy or have a tummy ache, bloating, and perhaps even diarrhea. The amount of milk that triggers these unpleasant reactions varies from person to person.
The Cause of Lactose Intolerance
Lactose is a sugar found naturally in milk and most dairy products. To not end up feeling yucky, our body needs an enzyme called lactase to break down lactose into simpler sugars—glucose and galactose. Newborns produce loads of lactase until weaning, but after about five years of age, most people (around 75% of the global population) stop producing lactase. Without it, they can't digest milk, and they become lactose intolerant.
Fun fact: People who originate from Africa, Asia, or the Pacific often lose the ability to produce lactase after weaning and can't consume milk or dairy products in adulthood. But don't stress, there are solutions out there to help lactose-intolerant peeps enjoy their favorite dairy treats!
Lactose Intolerance: The Genetic Roll of the Dice
Lactose intolerance is a recessive disorder, meaning that for it to manifest, both copies of the gene associated with the lactase enzyme have to be similar. If an individual has a cytosine residue on both copies of the gene, they won't produce lactase in adulthood and will be lactose intolerant.
So, how do most Kiwis (New Zealanders) enjoy their milk products without any troubles? A simple genetic mutation, changing a cytosine nucleotide to a thymine, does the trick! Those with the thymine nucleotide can digest milk products as adults.
The Activity Idea
Strap on your lab coats, folks! Let's explore the digestive enzyme lactase's impact on lactose, the sugar found in milk, and the digestive system condition known as lactose intolerance.
The Power of Biotechnology
Biotechnology offers several ways for individuals with lactose intolerance to enjoy dairy without discomfort:
- Lactase Enzymes: These enzymes break down lactose into easily digestible sugars, glucose and galactose. Lactase is often added directly to milk or used in lactose-free dairy products.
- Probiotics and Gut-Based Solutions: Probiotics like Bactose help restore gut balance, allowing people with lactose intolerance to digest dairy naturally after just 7 days.
- Testing and Quality Control: Allergen detection kits ensure dairy products are allergen-free, crucial for those with severe milk allergies.
These solutions help bridge the gap between consumer desire for dairy products and the challenges posed by lactose intolerance. So, lactose-intolerant individuals can still get their dairy fix without the uncomfortable aftermath!
Sources
Ask a geneticist about inheriting lactose intolerance - information about lactose intolerance written for high school students by The Tech Interactive, California, US.
Learn more about lactose intolerance, including the amount of lactose in milk products.
[1] https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2018/03/30/Enzyme-technology-to-the-rescue-for-lactose-intolerant-consumers
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/jun/12/the-new-probiotic-that-could-help-lactose-intolerant-people-drink-meat-and-cheese-without-feeling-unwell
[3] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.02016/full
[4] https://www.tostolaser.com/en/products/sensistrippowerline/allergen-detection-kits/
In the realm of health and wellness, understanding medical-conditions like lactose intolerance is crucial, especially when it comes to a fundamental matter like nutrition. For instance, people who are lactose intolerant may find solace in nutritional solutions such as lactase enzymes, probiotics, or allergen detection kits that enable them to better manage their diets and still enjoy dairy products.
