Milk Intolerance refers to inability of an individual to digest lactose, a sugar present in milk. It cannot be classified as a disorder, but can be called a characteristic determined by genetic mark-up. The lactose intolerance can be attributed to the lack of lactase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the digestion of lactose and breaking it down into simpler sugars like galactose and glucose.

Milk Intolerance or more specifically lactose intolerance, is characterized by abdominal bloating, cramps, diarrhea and nausea after consumption of lactose in a large quantity. As per estimates, close to 75 percent of adults worldwide have milk intolerance. While more than 90 percent individuals in certain Asian and African countries, those in Europe, India and countries in Africa have lactose persistence.