Lactose intolerance is a set of symptoms resulting from the body's inability to digest the milk sugar called lactose. Lactose is commonly found in dairy-based foods and beverages, and is digested in the intestines by the enzyme lactase.
Lactase breaks down lactose so it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
When the body does not produce enough lactase, lactose cannot be digested which may result in lactose intolerance. Individuals may have varying degrees of intolerance to lactose. Between 30 to 50 million Americans suffers from lactose intolerance. If you are lactose intolerant, you share this condition with many people. It is estimated that 90 percent of Asian-Americans are lactose intolerant and 75 percent of all African and Native Americans, Jews, and Hispanics in the U.S. have insufficient levels of the lactase enzyme and may experience some or all symptoms.