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thagreentee t1_jdn1fge wrote

It just means that the lactose (milk sugar) doesnt get broken down and therefore cannot be absorbed. It then continues its path through your digestive tract where it acts osmotically (attracts water) and gets fermented by bacteria, causing the typical symptoms.

Theres lots of other good stuff in milk like calcium, phosphate and all vitamins. This can be absorbed normally (see comments).

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Dr_Baby_Man t1_jdn689c wrote

Yes, but GI transit time is affected by the osmotic load, and therefore reduces the amount of nutrients absorbed.

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thagreentee t1_jdnyrgp wrote

Thanks for the correction. I am unaware of anything more specific but that sounds plausible.

I would also add that it is by no means essential to consume milk for its nutrient value.

I was just pointing out that primarily lactose intolerant people cannot breakdown lactose and therefore cannot absorb it in any meaningful way as far as i am concerned. Since the question was about nutrients in general.

You seem to know more than me about this. I imagine the reduction in nutrient absorption is not that large?

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Dr_Baby_Man t1_jdo9p5x wrote

It would depend on how fast it moves through the person. It can be rather fast, making any nutrient absorption rather minimal. On the other hand, others are less affected. Lactase deficiency is a threshold, with different people able to tolerate different quantities of lactose before they become symptomatic.

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HowsTheBeef t1_jdnd26d wrote

Is transit time increased or decreased?

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Shark-Whisperer t1_jdnfslc wrote

Decreased transit time and this with increased osmotic pull is responsible for intraluminal fluid accumulation, aka diarrhea. Gas production from increased bacterial fermentation is also increased causing bloating and flatulence.

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Beginning_Cat_4972 t1_jdnmb5e wrote

However, if someone is lactose intolerant they might not be able to absorb as much of those nutrients due to inflammation.

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