Question
What are the causes of lactose intolerance in pediatrics?
Answer
Undigested lactose entering the colon is fermented by the bacteria present in the intestines into small organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and some gases like methane. These products are mostly reabsorbed by the colon. The main cause is the deficiency of lactase in the small intestinal mucosa of newborns, and some individuals may develop lactose intolerance due to long-term non-consumption of milk and dairy products.