The ultimate information source on lactose intolerance. Provides information about the condition and its prevalence, advice and resources for living lactose free, discussion forum, and other resources for the lactose-intolerant. Includes lactose free recipes. The Basics on Lactose Intolerance: Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the sugar in milk, lactose. This inability results from a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is normallyPizza produced in the small intestine. Lactase breaks down the milk sugar, so the body can easily digest it. When there is not enough lactase to digest the amount of lactose consumed, mild to severe stomach discomfort may result. Lactose is defined as: lactose (lak’tos) noun* 1. A disaccharide, C12 H22 O11, found in milk, that may be hydrolyzed to yield glucose and galactose. 2. A white crystalline substance obtained from whey and used in infant foods, bakery products, confections, and pharmaceuticals as a diluent and excipient. Also called milk sugar. Common symptoms may include: * Gas * Cramps * Loose stool or diarrhea * Bloating * Vomiting Symptoms tend to occur anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods containing dairy. One’s severity of symptoms and tolerance levels varies person to person. Foods that have lactose in it: * Milk * Ice Cream * Cheese * Cream * Cream Cheese * Sour Cream * Chocolate * Butter