Lactose intolerance is one of the most common food disorders in people worldwide. It is a condition where the body cannot digest lactose – the sugar found in milk and dairy products. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different genotypes of lactose intolerance, the symptoms of this condition, and how to properly structure a diet for people with this issue. We will also consider which foods can be consumed without health risks and how to ensure the body gets the necessary nutrients.
Earlier we wrote – What is Alopecia and How to Combat Hair Loss?
3 Genotypes That Cause Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a food disorder caused by insufficient activity of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose.
Genetic studies show that there are several different genotypes that can influence the development of this disorder. Let’s consider the three main ones, their characteristics, and detection methods.
- Genotype AL-AL (alternative name: CC). This genotype indicates that the person has little or no lactase activity, making them intolerant to lactose. People with this genotype should avoid consuming dairy products or consume them in small quantities to avoid unpleasant symptoms.
- Genotype AL-AG (alternative name: CT). This genotype indicates that the person has a moderate level of lactase activity, which may cause moderate lactose intolerance. People with this genotype are often advised to limit their dairy intake or use special lactose-free products.
- Genotype AG-AG (alternative name: TT). This genotype indicates that the person has a high level of lactase activity, so they can digest lactose. However, in some cases, symptoms of this isuue may occur, especially when consuming large amounts of dairy products.
Knowing your genotype can help determine your body’s response to lactose and develop an appropriate diet. It is important to consult a qualified specialist for advice and recommendations on proper nutrition in case of lactose intolerance.

7 Symptoms Indicating Lactose Intolerance
Lactose is a sugar found in colostrum and other dairy products. To digest lactose, the human body needs the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.
However, some people may be lactose intolerant: when the body does not produce enough lactase to digest this sugar. This can lead to various symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. Let’s consider the 7 main symptoms of lactose intolerance.
- Abdominal pain and constipation. This occurs because undigested lactose absorbs water in the colon, which can lead to constipation and painful sensations.
- Constant bloating and diarrhea. If the body cannot break down lactose, this can cause an increase in gas and fat in the intestines, leading to constant bloating and diarrhea.
- Flatulence and a feeling of fullness. This happens due to the difficulty in digesting lactose, which causes an increase in gas in the intestines and a feeling of fullness.
- Nausea and vomiting after consuming dairy products. This can result from undigested lactose irritating the stomach and causing nausea.
- It can also cause fatigue and weakness because the body cannot obtain enough nutrients from dairy products due to undigested lactose.
- Weight gain due to various digestive problems and improper metabolism in the body.
- Lead to skin problems such as dryness and inflammation, as the body does not receive the necessary nutrients.
Lactose intolerance is a serious problem that can lead to various unpleasant symptoms and health issues. If you observe any of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor and undergo necessary examinations to establish a diagnosis.
It is also important to exclude dairy products from your diet and find alternative sources of calcium and other nutrients.
Video About Lactose Intolerance
How and why lactose intolerance occurs in a YouTube video:
Lactose Intolerance: 3 Tips for Structuring Your Diet
Lactose intolerance is quite a common problem among people of all age groups. Here are three tips on a diet:
- Choose alternative sources of calcium. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring the body gets the necessary amount of calcium. Since many dairy products contain a large amount of this micronutrient, it is important to find alternatives. Consume plenty of green leafy vegetables, eggs, seeds, and nuts, which are good sources of calcium.
- Today, many lactose-free products are available on the market. This includes lactose-free milk, yogurts, cheeses, and other dairy products made specifically for people with such problems. They have the same beneficial elements as regular dairy products but do not contain lactose. Choosing lactose-free products is a great way to keep beneficial micronutrients in your diet without negative health consequences. Pay attention to product labels.
- Pay attention to special markings on product labels that indicate high lactose content. Many manufacturers provide information about such content in their products, allowing people with this issue to make appropriate choices.
By following some tips, people with this disorder can reduce negative effects and make their lives easier. It is important to be mindful of your diet, choose the right products, and remember the importance of including alternative sources of calcium in your nutrition.

Conclusions
Lactose intolerance is a genetically determined condition where a person cannot digest lactose. This can be caused by a genetic mutation that leads to insufficient lactase enzyme production. Symptoms of it may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating.
People with this diagnosis are recommended to avoid or limit their consumption of dairy products. Milk substitutes based on soy or nut milk can also be used. It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and consult a doctor for proper diet and treatment recommendations.
Questions and Answers About Lactose Intolerance
It is a condition where the body cannot properly digest lactose, transforming it into glucose and galactose, due to insufficient lactase enzyme.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, aversion to dairy products, skin irritation, and dizziness due to nutrient deficiency.
Lactose intolerance can lead to various digestive problems, skin irritations, and a general deterioration of health.