Is it possible to become lactose intolerant as an adult?
Yes, that's right. Contrary to popular belief, lactose intolerance does not only affect children. It can occur at any ageeven after 30, 40 or 50 years. In reality, it is normal to produce less and less lactase (the enzyme that digests lactose) over the years. This phenomenon is called secondary lactase deficiency.
This explains why many people experience digestive problems after consuming dairy products, without necessarily making the connection immediately.
What are the most common symptoms in adults?
Here are the most frequent digestive signs related to lactose intolerance in adults :
- Bloatingfeeling of a swollen stomach after meals
- Abdominal crampsdiffuse or localised pain
- Gas and flatulencesometimes associated with bowel sounds
- Diarrhoea or, on the contrary, slow transit
- Nausea Occasionally, especially after meals rich in dairy products
- Digestive fatiguea feeling of heaviness and loss of energy
These symptoms generally appear between 30 minutes and 2 hours after lactose ingestion. Their intensity depends on several factors:
- the amount of lactose consumed,
- the type of dairy product (milk, cream, fromage frais, etc.),
- the individual susceptibility,
- the meal composition (a dairy product eaten on its own often leads to a faster reaction).
Symptoms that can be misleading
In adults, the symptoms of lactose intolerance are sometimes confused with other digestive disorderssuch as :
- the irritable bowel syndrome (SII),
- gluten sensitivity,
- or digestive stress linked to anxiety.
This can delay diagnosis and cause daily discomfort. If you notice recurrence of the same symptoms after milky mealsIt may be useful to test a temporary avoidance of lactose to see how it develops.
How can you confirm that it really is a case of intolerance?
Diagnosis can be made in two ways:
- By yourselfby observing the effects of avoiding lactose for 2 to 3 weeks ➡️ click here to find out more!
- By a healthcare professionalvia a breath test exhaled hydrogen (non-invasive, painless).
What can you do if you recognise yourself in these symptoms?
Fortunately, lactose intolerance is not inevitable. There are now several effective solutions for continuing to eat a varied diet without suffering:
- Limit or avoid the most lactose-rich products (milk, cream, fromage frais...)
- Prefer mature cheesesnaturally low in lactose
- Choosing lactose-free productsincreasingly available in supermarkets
- Use lactase supplements as LACTOLERANCEwhich facilitate lactose digestion on an occasional or daily basis as required
Summary
Lactose intolerance in adulthood is common and often underestimated. Visit digestive symptoms (bloating, cramps, diarrhoea, fatigue) can be avoided by adopting the right reflexes. If you recognise yourself in these signs, talk to a professional or try a gradual approach. And don't forget: with appropriate solutions such as LACTOLERANCEYou can continue to enjoy your meals without depriving yourself.
What are the signs of lactose intolerance in adults?
In adults, symptoms include bloating, cramps, gas, diarrhoea and nausea. They often appear after eating dairy products and can last for several hours.
How can you recognise lactose intolerance and not something else?
If digestive problems occur regularly after consuming milk, fromage frais or cream, and disappear without lactose, it may be a case of intolerance. An eviction test or breath test can confirm this.
At what age can you become lactose intolerant?
Lactose intolerance can appear as early as adolescence or adulthood. It is often progressive, as lactase production naturally declines with age.
What products should I look out for if I'm intolerant?
Milk, cream, unfermented yoghurt, fromage frais and dairy desserts, as well as certain ready-made meals, cold meats and medicines may contain lactose.
How can symptoms of lactose maldigestion be relieved?
You can take a lactase supplement such as LACTOLERANCE 9000 or LACTOLERANCE ULTRA before a meal containing lactose. This helps prevent digestive symptoms in adults with lactose intolerance.
Hello, I'm Vincent
Like you, I'm lactose intolerantI know exactly what you're going through and the difficulties you encounter on a daily basis. For over 10 years, I've been helping our customers to use our dietary supplements and giving advice and tips on how to improve their digestive comfort. I'm also a keen cook and gourmet, so you'll find my favourite recipes for a lactose-free diet in this blog.
Lactose intolerance is not inevitable! With LACTOLERANCE you can digest with complete peace of mind
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