Lactase deficiency and giardiasis
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Lactase deficiency and giardiasis
Lactase is an enzyme produced in the intestine that breaks down milk sugar (lactose). When a person becomes lactase-deficient (also called lactose-intolerant), he or she has difficulty digesting milk and milk products. The undigested lactose is used as food by bacteria that are normally found in the intestine. This can cause diarrhea, a large amount of gas, and cramps.
Giardiasis causes some people to become temporarily lactase-deficient. It may take as long as 1 month to be able to eat milk and milk products again without a problem.
If a person being treated for giardiasis has symptoms that suggest this is a problem, he or she should avoid milk products for at least 1 month. Then add them gradually back into the diet as the body can handle them.
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease |
| Last Updated | October 16, 2007 |
| Last updated: | October 16, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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