HOSA Pathophysiology Digestive System Practice Test

Lactose intolerance primarily results from the body's inability to produce sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which is necessary for breaking down lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. A deficiency in lactase can be either genetic or acquired due to factors such as age or intestinal damage, making options that relate to lactase production significant causes of lactose intolerance.

High dairy consumption does not directly contribute to the development of lactose intolerance but is often a consequence of it. Individuals who are lactose intolerant may experience symptoms after consuming large quantities of dairy due to their existing deficiency in lactase. However, simply eating more dairy does not cause someone to become lactose intolerant; instead, it triggers or exacerbates symptoms in those who already have the condition. Therefore, high dairy consumption itself is not a causal factor for lactose intolerance.