| This is because they may not produce enough of the enzyme, lactase, which breaks down lactose, the milk sugar in dairy products. |
| Lactose is the milk sugar that can cause intestinal distress in people lacking the enzyme lactase, which is necessary for its digestion. |
| For this reason, various environmental insults that damage intestinal tissues also lower the levels of lactase. |
| When faced with a patient who is lactose intolerant, many health professionals recommend lactase pills or drops. |
| Earlier, we stressed that lactase is located on the outermost surface of the intestinal cells. |
| When there is an insufficient amount of lactase to break down the milk sugar the results may be distressing, although not life threatening. |
