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Lactose intolerance is the most common food intolerance worldwide, but its prevalence varies significantly between regions.

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose malabsorption, commonly known as lactose intolerance, is a digestive condition that affects many people worldwide. It occurs when the body cannot properly digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and most dairy products. Although lactose intolerance is not a disease or a milk allergy, it can cause unpleasant symptoms of lactose intolerance such as bloating, gas, diarrhoea and abdominal pain after consuming dairy products.

Managing your diet and understanding your personal lactose tolerance threshold can help prevent discomfort while still allowing you to enjoy foods such as chocolate, yoghurt or lactose-free biscuits. For a more comprehensive approach, there are also treatment options for lactose intolerance that can help manage symptoms and support digestion.

Lactose intolerance is the most common food intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the most common food intolerance worldwide. Around 10-40% of people in Western countries are lactose intolerant, while in regions such as Africa, Asia and Oceania, prevalence can be as high as 70%.

These differences are mainly due to genetic and historical factors. Populations that relied on milk for survival, for example in Nordic countries with difficult growing conditions or harsh climates, developed a greater ability to digest lactose over time. In these regions, lactose intolerance is relatively low, at around 3-5%. In contrast, many populations in Asia and Africa did not traditionally depend on milk as a dietary staple, which is why lactose intolerance rates can be much higher, often reaching 70-80%.

What is lactase and why does the body need it?

Lactase is an enzyme produced in the small intestine. It is needed to break down lactose into the simpler sugars glucose and galactose, which can then be absorbed by the body. When there is not enough lactase, undigested lactose reaches the colon, where it can trigger typical symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Knowing how much lactose you personally tolerate is important for everyday meal planning. Many people therefore choose to get a diagnosis for lactose intolerance, which can include specific tests to determine individual tolerance levels.

Lactose intolerance can develop suddenly

The body’s production of lactase usually decreases with age, although this varies depending on genetic background. For example:

In many people of African or Asian origin, lactase production often decreases significantly in adulthood.
In many Europeans, this decline is usually more gradual, and some people continue to tolerate milk well into later life.

Lactose intolerance often develops gradually after childhood. In some people, symptoms begin during adolescence, while in others they appear later in adulthood. In addition to digestive complaints, some people also report symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue or general discomfort after consuming lactose.

Enjoy our lactose-free foods

At Frusano, we offer a wide selection of lactose-free foods so you can enjoy your favourites without worry. Discover chocolate, biscuits, cereals and many other products made with high-quality, delicious and 100% lactose-free ingredients.

See lactose-free foods

See also:

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Diagnosis for Lactose Intolerance

Treatment and Therapy for Lactose Intolerance

Frequently asked questions about lactose intolerance

How common is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is widespread around the world and affects a large proportion of the population in some regions. In Germany and other Western countries, around 10-40% of people are affected, while the prevalence is significantly higher in many parts of Asia and Africa. It usually develops over time, as the body’s production of lactase often decreases with age.

What symptoms does lactose intolerance cause?

Typical symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea and a feeling of fullness. These symptoms usually occur within a few hours after consuming milk or lactose-containing foods. The severity depends on the amount of lactose consumed and the individual’s remaining lactase activity.

How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?

Lactose intolerance is most commonly diagnosed using a hydrogen (H2) breath test. During this test, the patient drinks a lactose solution, and the level of hydrogen in the breath is measured. An increase indicates that lactose is not properly digested and is instead fermented by bacteria in the colon. Other methods, such as a lactose tolerance test or genetic testing, may also be used, although the H2 breath test is considered the most reliable.

How can lactose intolerance be managed in everyday life?

Lactose intolerance can usually be managed effectively with a low-lactose or lactose-free diet. Many people can tolerate small amounts of lactose, while others need to avoid it completely or choose plant-based alternatives. Many Frusano products are lactose-free and well tolerated, making it easier to maintain a varied diet and still enjoy sweet treats without discomfort.