Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest a sugar called lactose in milk and other dairy products. Adults in most of the world are lactose intolerant, although infants are not. This is because many adults lack an enzyme known as lactase. Lactase, which can be found in cells in the intestine, is the enzyme that breaks down lactose.
Many individuals lose the ability to synthesize lactase after age six. However, not everyone does. Whether or not the body continues to produce lactase often depends on ethnicity. While only 5-15% of adults of European descent cannot digest lactose, 80-90% of adults of African and Asian descent are lactose intolerant. Research has shown that people of northern European ancestry contain a genetic mutation that allows the secretion of lactase in adulthood.
The main symptom of lactose intolerance is gastrointestinal upset. Lactose intolerant people may experience diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, gas, and vomiting after consuming lactose-containing foods and beverages. Although there has been some research into gene therapy as a treatment for lactose intolerance, the current best treatment is either ingesting lactase supplements when consuming dairy products or simply avoiding foods containing lactose altogether.
Question: Which of the following can be inferred, based on information found in the passage?
A) Most African children under the age of six are lactose intolerant.
B) The majority of adults of European descent lose their ability to digest lactose.
C) A majority of adults of Asian descent experience various forms of gastrointestinal upset after drinking milk.
D) Most adults of African descent produce large quantities of lactase in their intestines.
Correct Answer:
Verified
Q162: Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the inability to
Q163: Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the inability to
Q164: Autism and Vaccines
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are
Q165: Glowing in the Dark
Have you ever wondered
Q166: Autism and Vaccines
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are
Q168: Autism and Vaccines
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are
Q169: Light Pollution
I grew up in the city,
Q170: Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the inability to
Q171: Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the inability to
Q172: Glowing in the Dark
Have you ever wondered
Unlock this Answer For Free Now!
View this answer and more for free by performing one of the following actions
Scan the QR code to install the App and get 2 free unlocks
Unlock quizzes for free by uploading documents