Lactase

Lactase and its function:

Milk contains the most lactose out of all the dairy products. Lactase, an enzyme helps breaks down milk and milk products and aids in its digestion. 


Lactose intolerance 


Globally, 70% of adults are deficient in intestinal lactase, the enzyme required for the digestion of lactose. People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest lactose present  in milk. As a result, they have diarrhea, gas and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products. 


The important long-term health consequence of lactose intolerance is calcium deficiency that leads to osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency may also occur and compound the bone disease.