Difference between revisions of "Lactose intolerance"
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| − | Lactose intolerance is a condition where individuals cannot digest [[lactose]], a [[sugar]] found in [[milk]]. When a lactose intolerant individual injests of milk, he or she will get a stomachache. Other symptons include cramps and bloating. Such individuals do not produce an [[enzyme]] called [[lactase]] that breaks down lactose after weaning. | + | Lactose intolerance is a condition where individuals cannot digest [[lactose]], a [[sugar]] found in [[milk]]. When a lactose intolerant individual injests of milk, he or she will get a stomachache. Other symptons include cramps and bloating. Such individuals do not produce an [[enzyme]] called [[lactase]] that breaks down lactose after weaning.[http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/lactoseintolerance/] |
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| − | [ | + | The proportion of lactose intolerant individuals varies by region on the planet. 99% of [[China|Chinese]] are lactose intolerant, whereas only 10% of [[United States|Americans]] are. Recent research indicates that lactose intolerance is high where [[cow]]s were not domesticated. [http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/news/070401_lactose]At higher latitudes, lactose intolerance decreases. As average temperature increases, lactose intolerace increases.[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050602012109.htm] |
| − | [http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/news/070401_lactose] | + | |
| − | [http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050602012109.htm] | + | Lactose tolerance is determined by a recessive gene. Researchers have recently identified a DNA mutation that allows people to tolerate milk.[http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news-ng.asp?id=42796-scientists-identify-lactose] |
Revision as of 00:36, April 26, 2007
Lactose intolerance is a condition where individuals cannot digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. When a lactose intolerant individual injests of milk, he or she will get a stomachache. Other symptons include cramps and bloating. Such individuals do not produce an enzyme called lactase that breaks down lactose after weaning.[1]
The proportion of lactose intolerant individuals varies by region on the planet. 99% of Chinese are lactose intolerant, whereas only 10% of Americans are. Recent research indicates that lactose intolerance is high where cows were not domesticated. [2]At higher latitudes, lactose intolerance decreases. As average temperature increases, lactose intolerace increases.[3]
Lactose tolerance is determined by a recessive gene. Researchers have recently identified a DNA mutation that allows people to tolerate milk.[4]