Who is at risk?

Population groups

Lactose intolerance affects 80-95% of the black population in South Africa, but only 15% of whites¹.

Health

Lactose intolerance may primarily develop as a result of lactase deficiency, but also secondly to an infection of the small intestine or destruction of mucosal cells, e.g. during diarrhoea or AIDS.

Babies

Babies that are born prematurely are also more likely to be lactose intolerant, because lactase levels do not increase until the third trimester of a woman’s pregnancy.

Gender

Males and females are equally affected. However, 44% of women who are lactose intolerant regain the ability to digest lactose during pregnancy. This is probably due to slow intestinal transit and bacterial adaptation during pregnancy.

Age

Among adults, the age of presentation is 20-40 years.

Reference:
1. O’Keefe SJD, Adam JK. Primary lactose intolerance in Zulu adults. S Afr Med J 1983; 63: 778-780.

Diagnosis and treatment >>