Lactose intolerance is caused by reduced or absent production of the lactase enzyme.
Without sufficient lactase, lactose cannot be broken down and reaches the colon, where fermentation causes bloating, diarrhea, and cramps.
Types of Lactose Intolerance
- Congenital (rare, present from infancy)
- Primary (gradual enzyme decline in adulthood)
- Secondary (due to intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or IBS)
What Can Be Done?
Symptoms can be managed by avoiding lactose, using lactase enzyme supplements, and choosing lactose-free products. Complete avoidance is difficult due to hidden lactose in processed foods.
Probiotic therapy may also help. Certain gut bacteria can break down lactose in the colon, reducing symptoms. For best results, probiotics should contain gut-specific strains such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, which can colonize the colon and support long-term digestive health.
Bonolact® Pro+biotic
A live flora preparation containing active, bialone bacterial strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus, LA-5® and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12®) in a quantity of at least 2 billion CFU per capsule. Can be incorporated into vegetarian and vegan diets.
