Final answer:
Lactose intolerance is an enzyme deficiency where the small intestine does not produce enough lactase to digest lactose, a sugar in milk. It is not a food allergy, mineral deficiency, or transporter abnormality. Lactose intolerance can lead to digestive symptoms after consuming dairy, and it is managed by avoiding dairy or choosing lactose-free options.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lactose intolerance is defined as an enzyme deficiency. It is a condition that arises when the small intestine does not produce enough lactase, the enzyme responsible for digesting the milk sugar lactose. This enzyme deficiency can lead to symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and bloating after consuming dairy products.
Unlike a milk allergy, which involves the immune system, lactose intolerance is a digestive system issue. It is not considered a food allergy, mineral deficiency, or a transporter abnormality.
In certain populations, such as those of Asian descent, lactose intolerance is particularly prevalent. Infants born with a genetic defect causing lactase deficiency may suffer from symptoms upon consuming milk, requiring them to have lactose-free formula. The condition often develops during adulthood when the body decreases lactase production, which is common in many mammalian species after the weaning period.
The proper management for lactose intolerance involves avoiding dairy products or consuming lactose-free alternatives. It is important to note that there are other conditions such as galactosemia, which is a serious genetic disorder involving a different enzyme that also affects the metabolism of milk sugars.