Health implication of lactose intolerance and updates on its dietary management

Abstract

Lactose intolerance is a gastrointestinal symptom caused by a deficiency or decreased activity of the enzyme lactase in the gut, which makes it difficult to fully digest lactose in breast milk or cow milk. Epidemiological survey data show that 70% of the world's population has some degree of lactase deficiency, with ethnic and age differences in incidence. Studies on lactose-free/low-lactose formula, plant-based beverage, probiotic/prebiotic and A2 milk provided multiple choices for rational dietary management of lactose intolerant patients. Based on this, this review briefly introduces the health implication of lactose intolerance, then focuses on dietary management to provide some reference for the scientific milk consumption by lactose intolerants.