Dietary treatment will vary depending on the presentation of lactose intolerance. Lactase enzyme activity reduces with age, and with ethnicity. Peoples of Asian, African and Indian origin, and children as young as 2 – 3 years can lose lactose activity permanently, but this is not normally seen in the UK.
Older children and young teens, can also loose enzyme activity, which can be responsible for tummy symptoms and loose stools.
Temporary lactose intolerance the more common in the Northern Hemisphere, and is usually related to small bowel lining inflammation eg. after infection or surgery. A lactose free diet allows the intestine time to repair and for readiness of a gradual reintroduction of dietary lactose.