HNSC 1200 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Coeliac Disease, Iron-Deficiency Anemia, Lactase
13 May 2017
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Document Summary
Consuming lactose containing foods with meals can help, because food slows the transit of foods through the digestive tract. Yogurt and aged cheese are often tolerated because the bacteria or molds used to ferment these products digest lactose. Products treated with lactase (e. g. , lactaid milk) can be purchased, as can lactaid pills and drops, which replace the missing enzyme. Celiac disease is an immune disorder that is characterized by damage to the intestinal tract caused by exposure to gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale). Gluten consumption causes damage to the lining of the small intestines, impacting the body"s ability to absorb nutrients. Symptoms vary from person to person, however typically include iron deficiency anemia (because of poor absorption caused by damage to the lining of the small intestine), abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss. Because of the reduction in absorption of nutrients, there can also be a greater risk, long term, for osteoporosis.
