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1099201 tn?1338180918

lactose intolerance

Can someone become lactose intolerant as they get older. I have noticed lately when I eat certain dairy products sometimes I get stomach cramps and gassy and loose stools. How do I figure out if  have become lactose intolerant.
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Avatar universal
Yes people can become intolerant to certain foods as they grow up/older. This happened to my little brother as he grew into his teenage years. It just keeps getting worse for him haha. Recently he just developed an allergy to hazelnuts
Helpful - 0
890982 tn?1259091185
I just turned 80, and have had some digestive issues, such as nausea, bloating and diarrhea during the last few years, often in connection with my hobby of running ultramarathons, which suggested a late-life onset of lactose intolerance.  As an experiment, I started using the chewable lactase supplements (Lactaid, etc.) before meals, and that seems to have taken care of the problem, which seems like prima facie evidence of LI, although I haven't been tested or diagnosed.
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15298923 tn?1439702333
I just turned 72 and in the last 3 months have had huge bouts of nausea but also bloating, gassy and burping. I'm read cramping but I don't have that. I went off dairy for about 10 days and was ok. Ate cheese and milk and was ok so assumed I was ok. Tonight I ate a big bowl of ice cream and wham..nausea so bad.
Helpful - 0
1532222 tn?1440119195
I was just diagnosed and I'm 42. I love milk and dairy products, and I sure do miss them! I was a 2 glasses a milk per day drinker until BAM! I had all the symptoms you described plus some!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It happened to me so I would say it is likely.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I don't know how old you are so please don't resent me when I say that a lot of seniors don't realize that they have suddenly become Lactose Intolerant, and don't even bother to mention these symptoms to their doctor since they just figure diarrhea, gas etc. is just part of aging.  Milk in their coffee, milk in cereal. . . just carrying on as usual.

This Lactose Intolerant issue should be made more public.  
I was in my 40's when I began this terrible trek.  It took me more than 20 yrs to decide to do my own research.  Lo and behold.  There's a title for this malady !  LOL  Titles help because it means there are others like us.
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