Question

What are some factors that affect the severity of lactose intolerance symptoms?

Answer 1

Lactose intolerance symptoms can vary in severity and depend on several factors such as the amount of lactose consumed, individual variation, and age. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which individuals cannot digest lactose, the sugar found in milk, due to a deficiency in the enzyme lactase. The severity of lactose intolerance symptoms can vary depending on several factors:

1. Amount of lactose consumed: The more lactose consumed, the more severe the symptoms may be. Some individuals are able to tolerate small amounts of lactose without experiencing symptoms.
2. Individual variation: Each person's degree of lactose intolerance can vary. Some people may have a higher lactose tolerance threshold and experience milder symptoms, while others may have a lower tolerance threshold and experience more severe symptoms.
3. Age: Lactose intolerance tends to increase with age as the production of lactase decreases. Infants with lactose intolerance may exhibit more severe symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting, while adults may experience milder symptoms like abdominal cramps and bloating.

Overall, lactose intolerance symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, but they typically resolve once the lactose is eliminated from the body.