Which of the following best explains why adults are more likely than children to have gastrointestinal distress after consuming dairy products?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adults often have lower levels of lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose, the sugar in milk, leading to lactose intolerance and gastrointestinal distress.  Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose which is abundant in milk and, to a lesser extent, milk-derived dairy products. Lactose intolerant individuals have insufficient levels of digestive system lactase, the enzyme that catalyzes hydrolysis of lactose into glucose and galactose. Common symptoms of lactase deficiency include abdominal bloating and cramps, flatulence, diarrhea, and nausea. Most people normally cease to produce lactase, becoming lactose intolerant after weaning. Approximately 75% of adults worldwide show some decrease in lactase activity during adulthood. However, several populations have developed lactase persistence, where lactase production continues even in adulthood.

Which of the Following Best Explains Why Adults Are More