Lactase Deficiency

Definition: Lactase is an enzyme found in the intestines
of infants and young children.  Most people as with most
animals lose the ability to produce this enzyme as they
get older.  Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down the
mild sugar called lactose.  

As people get older many soon start to notice that
every time they drink milk or eat raw milk products
they get gas, diarrhea, and or abdominal pain from
abdominal cramping.  This is caused by the inability 
to digest lactose.

This is common for most people, for most people
lose the ability to break down milk by the time
they reach adulthood.

The elimination of raw milk and raw milk products from
one's diet eliminates these symptoms.  However, predigested
milk products such as cheese and yogart should not be a
problem.