Corporate Culture As A Strategic Risk MAL66:25 | Page 113

intolerance is a digestive disorder that occurs when the body lacks enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. As a result, undigested lactose ferments in the colon, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. It is most common in adults and has a higher prevalence among certain populations.

In contrast, a milk allergy is an immune system reaction to one or more proteins in milk, usually casein or whey. When a person with a milk allergy consumes dairy, their immune system identifies the milk proteins as harmful, triggering an allergic response. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from mild ones such as skin rashes or hives to severe symptoms such as vomiting, wheezing, or even anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction. Milk allergy is more common in infants and young children, though many outgrow it with age.

The key distinction between lactose intolerance and milk allergy lies in the sense that they affect different body systems. Lactose intolerance affects the digestive system and is not life-threatening, while milk allergy involves the immune system and can have serious consequences. People with lactose intolerance may tolerate small amounts of dairy while individuals with a milk allergy must strictly avoid all milkcontaining products to prevent allergic reactions.

Lactose intolerance is sometimes confused with other gastrointestinal issues, but it can also coexist with them. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome( IBS) and celiac disease may worsen symptoms of lactose intolerance or mimic them. For example, people with IBS often report bloating and abdominal pain after consuming certain foods.

Diagnosing lactose intolerance requires careful evaluation, sometimes involving a lactose tolerance test or a hydrogen breath test, which measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath after consuming a lactose-rich drink. Excess hydrogen suggests that lactose is fermenting in the colon rather than being digested in the small intestine. Because lactose intolerance and other digestive disorders share overlapping symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider for diagnosis is the best course of action if symptoms persist.

Beware of Hidden Lactose

Lactose, a natural sugar found in milk, is commonly associated with obvious dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt. However, it is often present in less obvious or " hidden " forms in a wide range of processed and prepared foods. For individuals with lactose intolerance, identifying these hidden sources is essential for effective symptom management.

Many processed foods contain lactose as an additive, especially where milk or milk derivatives are used for texture, flavor, or shelf-life enhancement. Common culprits include bread, muffins, and cookies, instant soups and salad dressings. In some cases, lactose may be used in non-dairy items like powdered soups or gravies as a carrier for flavorings or as a bulking agent. Increased awareness and labelreading can significantly reduce the risk of unintentional lactose consumption and the uncomfortable symptoms that may follow.

For people who are lactose intolerant or avoid dairy for other reasons, one major concern is how to get enough calcium, a mineral essential for strong bones, nerve function, and muscle health. Fortunately, dairy is not the only source of calcium. There are many calcium-rich, non-dairy alternatives that can fit seamlessly into a balanced diet. Examples include: sardines, salmon, nuts and seeds.

In addition to dietary sources, vitamin D is crucial because it helps the body absorb calcium. Spending time in sunlight and consuming vitamin D-rich foods helps maintain adequate levels. It is also important to remember that exercise, especially weight-bearing activities like walking, dancing, and resistance training, helps maintain bone strength.

Kepha Nyanumba is a seasoned Marketing Africa Columnist working as a Consultant Nutritionist at Crystal Health Consultants Limited. You can engage him on this or related matters via email at: KNyanumba @ chc. co. ke, or follow him on X: knyanumba. Blog: kephanyanumba. blogspot. com.