Lactose Sensitivity, Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance—also known as lactose sensitivity—is the inability to digest lactose, a disaccharide sugar found in milk and certain dairy products. This condition arises from a deficiency or complete absence of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose. Globally, it's estimated that around 75% of the adult population cannot fully digest lactose. Rates vary widely: approximately 5% in Northern Europe, 71% in Southern Europe, and up to 90% in some Asian and African countries. Dr. Edit Harasta, a gastroenterologist at Dr. Rose Private Hospital, offers a concise overview: