Health Information
Who Is Affected by Lactose Intolerance
Topic Overview
Symptoms of Reference lactose intolerance Opens New Window (belly pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea) are very common, but not everyone who has symptoms can be diagnosed with the condition. Lactose intolerance is diagnosed by a breath hydrogen test ordered by your doctor.
Lactose intolerance occurs more often in Native Americans and people of Asian, African, and South American descent than among people of European descent. Experts believe that lactose intolerance is directly related to how long ago a person's ancestors were introduced to dairy products.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference July 19, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Rohit K Katial, MD - Allergy and Immunology |
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