Question

Many mammals become ill if they drink milk as adults even though they could consume it as babies. What causes this digestive issue?

Short answer

Mammals stop consuming milk as they wean themselves from their moms. Their bodies preserve resources by no longer producing the enzyme lactase because they quit ingesting the sugar lactose. As a result, Lactose intolerance symptoms are brought on by interactions between gut bacteria and lactose molecules further along the digestive tract.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

When a mammal becomes an adult, it suffers from lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is typically caused by insufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which is produced in the small intestine. You can digest milk products even if your lactase levels are low. However, if your levels are too low, you develop lactose intolerance and experience symptoms after consuming dairy products.

The explanation for the answer

Mammals stop consuming milk as they wean themselves from their moms. Their bodies preserve resources by no longer producing the enzyme lactase because they quit ingesting the sugar lactose. In the future, if the animals eat lactose, their digestive systems won't be able to break down the lactose molecules into glucose and galactose for absorption. Lactose intolerance symptoms are brought on by interactions between gut bacteria and lactose molecules further along the digestive tract.