Lactose Intolerance (Noun)
Meaning
Congenital disorder consisting of an inability to digest milk and milk products; absence or deficiency of lactase results in an inability to hydrolyze lactose.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Many people in Asia and Africa have lactose intolerance, and should drink almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk.
- Humans are unique in consuming milk after weaning, which has led to natural selection favoring lactose intolerance in many populations.
- A minority of individuals who have lactose intolerance can develop an allergy to milk proteins, such as the casein in cow's milk.
- Lactose intolerance is highest in people of African, Asian, or Native American descent, while those with Northern and Western European ancestry have the lowest incidence.
- Adult lactose intolerance has only recently become recognized as a serious problem and not merely as an "embarrassing inconvenience" of one's later years.