Hypolactasia, lactose malabsorption, lactose intolerance

actase deficiency/hypolactasia (LD/HL) - is a condition in which lactase activity in the small intestinal brush border is low as compared to the level at infancy, which may be directly verified by an intestinal biopsy. Demonstration of the - 13910 C/C genotype for the lactase promoter gene can be used as an indicator for a predisposition to HL. Lactose malabsorption (LM) - is the state of impaired lactose absorption in the small intestine. This may be objectively demonstrated via a hydrogen breath test, a hydrogen/methane breath test, or via the blood glucose concentration following the lactose load. Lactose intolerance (LI) - is the symptomatic response ( including nausea, flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea) after the ingestion of lactose by individuals with LM. The verification of LI relies on self-reported symptoms after the lactose ingestion by the patient.