If you have ever suffered diarrhea, excessive flatulence or even an upset stomach after drinking milk or even indulging yourself with a delicious bowl of ice cream, chances are that you are lactose intolerant.
Fortunately, there have been quite a few medications and substitutes that have been introduced to the market in recent years specifically for people that are lactose intolerant to be able to enjoy dairy products (or some alternative form of them.) However, one of the biggest questions that might be on your mind – especially if you are considering having kids – is: “Will I pass this on to my children?” or “Is lactose intolerance hereditary?”
What Causes Lactose Intolerance?
Studies have been able to confirm that most signs of lactose intolerance begin shortly after birth. Even though most babies are born able to digest their mother’s milk without difficulty, there are some that progressively develop levels of the lactose enzyme that are substantially low. This enzyme is required in order to break down milk sugar (or lactose) into fructose and glucose. Since it can’t break it down, the lactose remains in your digestive tract and feeds itself to incoming bacteria – which leads to those smelly consequences and repercussions. If you have it now, can it be passed down to your kids?
Is Lactose Intolerance Genetic?
The short and simple answer to this particular question is “yes.” Scientific experiments and case studies have proven that lactose intolerance is (in most cases) genetic. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, primary lactose deficiency could very well be genetic. Chances are that (if you are lactose intolerant), you inherited that gene from your parents and can possibly pass it down to your own children.
Other Factors Are Involved
Keep in mind, though, that heredity is not the only method that can be used when it comes down to being lactose intolerant or not. Studies have also proven that there are certain ethnic groups that are more likely to be lactose intolerant than others. For example, close to 90 percent and 70 percent of Asian Americans and African Americans respectively are lactose intolerant. On the other hand, studies have proven that less than ¼ of white adults experience the same symptoms.
Therefore, while it is possible for genetics to play a role in determining whether or not you will be able to pass lactose intolerance down to your kids, there are other factors that could play an instrumental role in this diagnosis as well.
