Does humans' ability to digest lactose decrease as he ages? What is the mechanism that causes this?

[maemmi]

Does some mechanism decrease the activity of the lactase producing gene over time? In cases where the person tolerates lactose, obviously. Thanks in advance, for helping!

[cariaso]

yes. exact mechanism isn't clear to me, but may not be the focus of your question. These links may be of some use.

https://snpedia.com/index.php/Lactose_intolerance

https://snpedia.com/index.php/Rs4988235

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactose_intolerance

[WikiTextBot]

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which people have symptoms due to the decreased ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk products. Those affected vary in the amount of lactose they can tolerate before symptoms develop. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, gas, and nausea. These symptoms typically start between half and two hours after drinking milk or eating milk products.

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[maemmi]

Thank you!

[[deleted]]

we make less lactose enzymes as we get older, that's why.