Lactose intolerance is quite common - in some nationalities the majority of adults will be
affected.
The condition is least common in white Northern Europeans - up to 1 in 10 of UK adults will have
lactose intolerance. In some nationalities, however, a much higher proportion is affected with
figures ranging from 50% to nearly 100%. Amongst these are West Indians, Mediterranean peoples,
Asians - including those from the Far East, Africans and Southern and Central Europeans to name but
a few.
At birth our lactase enzyme levels are at their highest, then they gradually decrease
during weaning to reach relatively low levels by adulthood. In those individuals who have
inherited the tendency to lactose intolerance, the enzyme level may be abnormally low, and they
will be susceptible to experiencing unpleasant symptoms after they have had milk.
Lactase drops, when added to any type of milk, convert the lactose into digestible
sugars before drinking, so no lactose need get into the body at all.
