How long does it take for symptoms of lactose intolerance to appear?

You've just finished a meal, everything was fine... then suddenly your tummy starts to swell, cramps arrive, and you start to regret that slice of gratin or that creamy dessert. But why don't these reactions happen immediately? How long does it take the body to react to lactose when you are intolerant?

In this article, we take a look at the time to onset of symptoms of lactose intoleranceAnd why this time can vary from one person to another.

Average turnaround time: between 15 minutes and 2 hours

This is most often observed: the first signs appear between 15 minutes and 2 hours after eating a food containing lactose.

Why the delay?
Lactose must first be partially digested in the small intestine. In an intolerant person, lack (or absence) of enzyme lactase prevents digestion. Undigested lactose continues to make its way to the colon, where it is fermented by bacteria... causing bloating, gas, pain, etc.

This process takes a little time. Hence this offset between consumption and symptoms.

Symptoms sometimes appear more quickly... or later

Some people experience discomfort from 15 minutes after eating. Others may not feel anything before several hoursor even the next morning.

Several factors explain these differences:

• Quantity of lactose consumed The more of them there are, the faster the reaction.

• Presence of grease They slow down digestion and can delay the effects.

• Speed of intestinal transit The time of onset: this is specific to each individual and influences the time of onset.

• Intestinal microbiota It plays a major role in the way the body reacts.

Why it's not always predictable

What makes lactose intolerance sometimes difficult to manage is precisely that its unpredictability. You may well tolerate a dish one day... but react strongly to a similar food on another day.

This can disrupt the usual timeframe:

• Stress levels (which affect your microbiota and alter digestion)

• Digestive fatigue following a big meal (we've all been there, especially over the festive period)

• Combining lactose with other ingredients (alcohol, fibre, fast sugars, etc.)

How to anticipate symptoms without depriving yourself

Even if the onset time is variable, there are simple solutions to avoid being caught off guard:

• If you eat a dish containing lactose, plan for an appropriate intake of lactase upstream or at the time of repa

➡️ LACTOLERANCE 4500 or 9000, to be taken at the start of your meal

➡️ LACTOLERANCE ULTRA if the meal is high in lactose and fat (like a good raclette)

➡️ LACTOLERANCE 1/DAY if you want total freedom and permanent protection

• When in doubt, keep a digestive supplement to hand, especially when travelling or in a restaurant. LACTOLERANCE supplements are available in pillboxes for easy use in any situation.

• Avoid combining several lactose-source foods at the same meal (e.g. cheese + cream + milky dessert).

In conclusion

The time it takes for symptoms of lactose intolerance to appear varies from person to person, from meal to meal... and even from time to time. On average, symptoms are felt between 30 minutes and 2 hours, but there is no fixed rule.

Learning to listen to your body, identifying problem combinations and using the right supplements are the best ways to stay in control.

Vincent

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