Lactose, a milk sugar, is made up of two other
sugars, glucose and galactose. (Galactose has
been identified as a causative factor in heart
disease and cataracts). Most adults "lack" the
enzyme, lactase, to break down lactose.
Instead, lactose is broken down by bacteria in
the lower intestines. Bacteria gotta eat too, right?
Problem is, after bacteria dine, their own body
wastes combine with those sugars to ferment
into gas and toxins causing bloating and cramps.
__________________________________

"An estimated 50 million Americans experience
intestinal discomfort after consuming dairy products.
Symptoms include bloating, stomach pain, cramps,
gas, or diarrhea."

Postgraduate Medicine 1994;95(1)
__________________________________

"The disaccharide lactose is naturally present as
a component of foods in milk and dairy products.
In most people lactase activity decreases at the
age of approximately 2 years of age. After this
lactose intake can cause symptoms of bloating,
flatulence, abdominal pain and diarrhea due to
the lactose reaching the large intestine. This
phenomenon is called lactose intolerance. It is
generally recommended that these people
abandon the consumption of milk and dairy products.

Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1998 Sep, 128:38
(Swiss Journal, published in German)
__________________________________

"Human adult-onset lactase decline is a biologic
feature characteristic of the maturing intestine
in the majority of the world's population."

Nutr Rev, 1998 Jan, 56:1 Pt 1
_________________________________

"Overall, about 75 percent of the world's
population, including 25 percent of those
in the U.S., lose their lactase enzymes after
weaning."

J. of the American Dietetic Assoc. 1996; 96
__________________________________

"Lactose intolerance is widespread...Lactose
maldigestion may coexist in adults with irritable
bowel syndrome and in children with recurrent
abdominal pain. Management consists primarily
of dietary changes."

Postgrad Med, 1998 Sep, 104:3
_________________________________

"Lactose maldigestion may be a contributory
factor in children with irritable bowel
syndrome, and lactose avoidance in these
patients may reduce medication use to
relieve symptoms."

South Med J, 1999 Aug, 92:8
_________________________________

"Lactose malabsorption and lactase deficiency
are chronic organic pathologic conditions
characterized by abdominal pain and distention,
flatulence, and the passage of loose, watery stools.
Once correct diagnosis is established, introduction
of a lactose-free dietary regime relieves symptoms
in most patients...who remain largely unaware of
the relationship between food intake and symptoms."

J Clin Gastroenterol, 1999 Apr, 28:3
_________________________________

"Females with lactose malabsorption not only
showed signs of irritable bowel syndrome but
also signs of premenstrual syndrome and mental
depression...Lactose malabsorption should be
considered in patients with signs of mental
depression."

Dig Dis Sci, 1998 Nov, 43:11
_________________________________

"Allergies and food intolerance together comprise
the manifestations of 'adverse food reaction'.
The best known and most common are: allergy to
cow's milk proteins, intolerance to lactose, and
gluten intolerance. Treatment of these conditions
is based on management of the diet by exclusion
(or reduction) of the responsible food or antigen."

Rev Prat, 1998 Feb, 48:4 (French journal)
_________________________________

Robert Cohen
http://www.notmilk.com