While milk can be very healthy and useful for our bodies, it's not always the case.
Some people are allergic to milk, and some people are lactose intolerant, so their bodies can't digest dairy products properly.
Let's find out more about it.
Lactase non-persistence:
The most common form of lactose intolerance is known as primary lactose intolerance or lactase non-persistence. In this case, individuals naturally lose some of their lactase production as they age. This is a genetic trait that is more prevalent in certain populations, particularly in people of Asian, African, Native American, or Hispanic descent.
Secondary lactose intolerance
Certain conditions or factors can lead to temporary lactose intolerance. For example, gastrointestinal infections, such as gastroenteritis, can cause damage to the lining of the small intestine, resulting in a temporary decrease in lactase production. Other conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or chemotherapy can also cause secondary lactose intolerance.
Congenital lactase deficiency
In rare cases, infants are born with a genetic condition called congenital lactase deficiency, where they have an almost complete absence of lactase activity from birth. These infants are unable to digest lactose and require specialized formulas.
