Context

Lactose malabsorption is a very common condition caused by a deficiency of the intestinal enzyme that hydrolyses lactose into its components, galactose and glucose. High concentrations of lactase are physiologically present in neonates whereas, after weaning, a genetically programmed and irreversible reduction in its activity occurs in a majority of the world's population. Therefore, hypolactasia should not be considered a disease but rather a common pattern in human physiology. The presence in the colonic lumen of malabsorbed lactose does not necessarily result in gastrointestinal symptoms. When this condition is related to uncomfortable clinical manifestations as bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, ‘lactose intolerance’ occurs. At present, the management of this condition is still an open matter.