What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose is a sugar naturally found in milk. For it to be properly digested, we need an enzyme called lactase found in most mammals at birth. In all land mammals, lactase production ceases almost completely after weaning.

In humans, this enzyme decreases in early childhood by an average of 90% to 95%. However, certain ethnic groups continue to produce lactase until adulthood. Those who no longer have lactase are considered lactose intolerant: when they drink milk, they suffer from various degrees of bloating, gas, flatulence and cramps.

It is estimated that 75% of adults worldwide have decreased lactase activity. For more information on lactose intolerance, visit this link (in French only).