Evidence-based
Lactose Intolerance
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•Last Updated: November 20, 2025
Lactose intolerance refers to a reduced ability to digest lactose, or milk sugar. Around 75% of the world's population is lactose intolerant to some degree, due to not producing the lactase enzyme in adulthood. Products like cheese and yogurt are lower in lactose than milk is, but some people can't handle any lactose at all without lactase enzyme supplementation. Occasional low-level dairy consumption may foster gut bacteria that help digest lactose.
Lactose Intolerance falls under the Gut Health category.
