A large population of human assumes intolerance to milk as an allergy to cow milk and hence, try to avoid it. Whereas the truth is milk allergy is actually a kind of allergy which occurs due to consumption of milk proteins that produce an allergic reaction by the body's immune system. This reaction can be fatal.

Milk allergy is more often present during infancy Lactose intolerance is, however, predominant in adulthood. Lactose intolerance happens due to inability to digest a natural sugar present in lactose. This inability to digest sugar results in the lactose to lie in intestine and ferment. Fermentation results into gas, indigestion and diarrhea. An enzyme known as Lactase helps in digestion of lactose. This enzyme is manufactured by the cells that are present on the surface of the small intestine. An inability of the small intestine to secrete this enzyme leads to lactose intolerance in many people.

Lactose intolerance is found in varied degrees in different individuals. Hence, the primary cause of it can be best described by understanding the fact that what causes the deficiency of the enzyme called lactase.

The lack of enzyme lactase can be because of two reasons first could be genetically inherited and second could be due to some severe gastrointestinal disorder or illness. Lactose intolerance due to genetic inheritance is still under investigation by researchers, and substantial innovation in this field would be useful in classifying people who are at a risk of lactose intolerance.

Primary lactase deficiency usually occurs from the age of two years onwards. Children generally feel the symptoms once they become teenagers or adults. The secondary lactase deficiency can happen at any stage of life, but it is more widespread in early years.

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