ENZYMEDICA LACTO is formulated for those that have difficulty digesting foods that contain lactose and dairy protein. Lacto contains the highest amount of lactase along with eight additional enzymes. It is estimated that between 30 and 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is a condition caused by a lack of an enzyme called lactase. Certain ethnic and racial populations are more widely affected than others. As many as 75 percent of all African Americans and American Indians and 90 percent of Asian Americans are lactose intolerant. The condition is least common among persons of northern European descent. Lactase is the enzyme in the small intestine that digests lactose (a dairy sugar). Normally, lactase breaks lactose down into glucose that can be easily absorbed by the blood. When there is not enough lactase to digest the amount of lactose consumed, water is retained in the bowel, which results in bloating and diarrhea. Lactose that passes into the large intestine is fermented by bacteria. This produces carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane, which may lead to bloating, cramping and gas. Some causes of lactose intolerance are well known. For instance, certain digestive diseases and injuries to the small intestine can reduce the amount of enzymes produced. In rare cases, children are born without the ability to produce lactase. For most people though, lactase deficiency is a condition that develops as they age. After about the age of two years, the body begins to produce less lactase. However, many people may not experience symptoms until they are much older. Symptoms of lactose intolerance can include cramps, gas, and diarrhea. They usually occur 30 minutes to two hours after ingesting lactose-containing foods. The severity of symptoms usually depends on the amount of lactose ingested and how much of the enzyme lactase remains in the intestinal tract. Supplementation of lactase allows for lactose to be more readily digestible and absorbed. By taking Lacto with meals that contain lactose, you are providing your body with the enzymes needed for proper digestion of not only dairy sugar (lactose) but dairy protein, fats, carbohydrates, meat protein and fiber.