Increased allergies and intolerances
Why do you think people with dairy allergies and intolerances are on the rise? From the Spanish Nutrition Foundation explains that lactose intolerance it is not a recent event. Lactose malabsorption occurs when the activity of the enzyme lactase located in the intestinal microvilli is reduced. In non-lactating populations, lactase production is usually reduced by 90% in the first years of life, and in populations where lactate consumption has been maintained, it allows the concentration of lactase for the correct absorption of lactose. The prevalence of malabsorption varies by ethnicity. What is fundamentally happening is that there is a better diagnosis today.
“In recent years we have seen an increase in certain diseases, including allergies, which is probably related to important changes that have taken place in our lifestyle. Recent publications report these changes to changes in our gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis and which is associated with weaker development and maturation of the immune system, ”says Rosaura Leis, adding that food allergy and intolerance are not the same, although both are side effects. The first demonstrates a basic immune mechanism, while the second does not. “In the case of dairy products, the allergy is triggered by protein, while the symptoms associated with intolerance are more commonly caused by lactose, the disaccharide in milk. An enzyme, lactase, is needed to absorb lactose, which is found in our intestines. A high percentage of the population, variable according to race, geographical distribution, etc., loses this enzyme throughout life. However, we must keep in mind that most people with lactose intolerance tolerate regular amounts of consumptionespecially if they are fermented dairy products, such as yogurt or cheese. Therefore, once again the importance of following the recommendations of health professionals, in order to guarantee a healthy diet “, adds the expert.