NANP Board Practice Exam

Lactose intolerance caused by a lack of lactase would best be classified as which of the following?

1. Food allergy

2. Food intolerance

3. Immune response

4. Protein deficiency

The correct answer is: Food intolerance

Lactose intolerance is characterized by the body's inability to properly digest lactose due to insufficient levels of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose into glucose and galactose. This leads to gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating, diarrhea, and cramping, when lactose-containing foods are consumed. Classifying lactose intolerance as a food intolerance is appropriate because it involves a non-allergic reaction to food. Unlike food allergies, which involve an immune response to specific proteins in food, food intolerances generally stem from a physiological inability to process certain components, as seen with lactase and lactose. This distinction is crucial, as it emphasizes that while individuals with lactose intolerance may experience discomfort and distress from consuming dairy, the reaction does not engage the immune system in the same way that food allergies do. Understanding this classification is important for natural health practitioners when considering dietary recommendations and interventions for individuals affected by lactose intolerance. It's essential to help clients identify and manage their symptoms through dietary adjustments without confusing this condition with food allergies or other types of immune responses.