Laktoseintoleranz

Abstract

Lactose intolerance is characterized by the inability to absorb lactose efficiently. As a consequence lactose reaches the colon were it is broken down by bacteria to short fatty acids, lactic acid, CO2 and H2. Bloating, cramps, osmotic diarrhea and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are the consequence and can be seen in about 90 % of lactosemaldigestors. Lactosemaldigestion is often associated with fructosemalabsorption and therefore these subjects often show signs of depression. Long standing lactose intolerance can eventually lead to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome and may be associated with signs of chronic immune activation.