Definition

Noun: A condition where the body cannot properly digest milk and milk products due to the absence or deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose (milk sugar). This is typically a lifelong, congenital disorder.

Usage

The term "milk intolerance" is used to describe the medical condition itself. It is often used in general or informal contexts, while "lactose intolerance" is the more precise clinical term. - Milk intolerance means you need to avoid dairy or use special products. - A diagnosis of milk intolerance can explain digestive discomfort after consuming dairy.

Examples

• After years of stomach pain, she discovered she had milk intolerance.
• Milk intolerance is common and manageable with dietary changes.
• The pediatrician tested the child for milk intolerance.

Advanced Usage

• "to manage milk intolerance": To control the condition through diet.
  • Managing her milk intolerance involved reading food labels carefully.
• "symptoms of milk intolerance": The physical effects, such as bloating or diarrhea.
  • The primary symptoms of milk intolerance usually appear within a few hours of consuming dairy.

Variants and Related Words

• Lactose Intolerance (n): The more specific, formal term for the same condition.
  • Lactose intolerance is the scientific name for milk intolerance.
• Lactase Deficiency (n): Refers specifically to the lack of the enzyme that causes the intolerance.
  • Milk intolerance is caused by lactase deficiency.

Synonyms

• Lactose Malabsorption: A clinical term describing the impaired digestion of lactose.
• Dairy Intolerance: A broader, less formal term that can sometimes include intolerance to milk proteins, not just lactose.

Related Phrases

• "to be intolerant to milk": An alternative way to state the condition.
  • He found out he is intolerant to milk.
• "lactose-free": A description for products suitable for those with this condition.
  • She buys lactose-free milk due to her milk intolerance.

Noun

1. congenital disorder consisting of an inability to digest milk and milk products; absence or deficiency of lactase results in an inability to hydrolyze lactose