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Lactose Intolerance

By Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: July 1, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: The inability to digest more than a small amount of lactose, the type of sugar found in milk and milk products.

This condition results from a lack of the enzyme lactase, which breaks lactose into glucose and galactose. Symptoms of lactose intolerance may include abdominal cramps, gas, bloating and diarrhea.

Also Known As: LI

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