Is lactose intolerance a permanent condition?

Posted on 28/11/2008

Question answered by Dr Mayberry, Consultant Physician and Professor in Gastroenterology

Lactose intolerance can be either a temporary or permanent condition.

There are three ways lactose intolerance can occur:

1. A baby can be born without enough lactase to even digest breast milk. The condition is inherited from both parents and as a result the child will be lactose intolerant for life.

2. Lactose intolerance manifests itself in childhood (often due to a genetic link) and gradually develops over time. The body produces less lactase after the age of two, but symptoms don’t usually present themselves for several years. Primary lactase deficiency is very common in people of black or asian origin.

3. Temporary consequence of damage to the intestinal wall, where lactase is produced. The cause includes gastrointestinal surgery, injury and illnesses such as severe gastroenteritis, coeliac disease or cancer. Depending on the cause, the condition can last for a few weeks or it can become permanent.