Lactase in Childhood — A Non-Adaptable Enzyme

Abstract

Gilat, T., Dolizky, F., Gelman-Malachi, E. & Tamir, I. Lactase in childhood – a non-adaptable enzyme. Scand. J. Gastroent. 1974, 9, 395-398.

Lactose tolerance tests were performed in 76 children aged 2½-16 years. The children were divided into groups according to low < 200 ml), regular (200-400 ml), and high (> 400 ml) daily milk consumption, and into similar groups according to daily intake of other lactose-containing foods. Lactose intolerance appeared after age 6½ years in all groups, with the proportion of lactose-intolerant children not differing significantly among the various groups. It is concluded that lactose tolerance is not affected by the amount of lactose consumed during childhood and, therefore, lactase is not an adaptable enzyme even in childhood.

Key-words::

• Children
• enzyme
• lactase
• lactose tolerance
• milk