An enzyme deficiency commonly seen in African Americans and Native Americans is:

An enzyme deficiency commonly seen in African Americans and Native Americans is:

• A. Amylase
• B. Sucrase
• C. Lactase
• D. Maltase

Answer: (C)

Lactase deficiency leading to lactose intolerance is what's being tested. Lactase is the enzyme in the small intestine that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose. In many adults, especially among African American and Native American populations, lactase production declines after infancy (lactase non-persistence), so dairy sugars aren’t digested properly. Undigested lactose reaches the colon, where bacteria ferment it, causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea after consuming dairy. The other enzymes listed—amylase, sucrase, and maltase—don’t have that same population pattern, and deficiencies in them are not commonly linked to these groups.

Lactase deficiency leading to lactose intolerance is what's being tested. Lactase is the enzyme in the small intestine that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose. In many adults, especially among African American and Native American populations, lactase production declines after infancy (lactase non-persistence), so dairy sugars aren’t digested properly. Undigested lactose reaches the colon, where bacteria ferment it, causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea after consuming dairy.

The other enzymes listed—amylase, sucrase, and maltase—don’t have that same population pattern, and deficiencies in them are not commonly linked to these groups.