Category FAQs Search : Lactose Intolerance
Question: Can you develop lactose intolerance over time?
Answer: Most people develop lactose intolerance as they grow from childhood into adulthood. The most common type of lactose intolerance, primary lactose intolerance, happens because you gradually stop producing lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose. Your gut sensitivity can also change over time.
Separately from lactose malabsorption, you may be more likely to experience symptoms if you have:
1. Irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Visceral hypersensitivity.
3. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
These are conditions that tend to develop gradually over your lifetime.
(Source: Cleveland Clinic, 31 Jan 2026)
Source Link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7317-lactose-intolerance