Lactose intolerance: diagnosis, genetic, and clinical factors.

ABSTRACT: Most people are born with the ability to digest lactose, the major carbohydrate in milk and the main source of nutrition until weaning. Approximately 75% of the world's population loses this ability at some point, while others can digest lactose into adulthood. This review discusses the lactase-persistence alleles that have arisen in different populations around the world, diagnosis of lactose intolerance, and its symptomatology and management.

SUBMITTER: Mattar R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3401057 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature