Specific Small-intestinal Lactase Deficiency in Adults

Abstract

LTT and/or small intestinal biopsy with disaccharidase activity assay was performed in 700 out of 1,300 adult patients at two gastroenterological units. Of 18 patients with specific lactase deficiency only 4 had a history of a previous acute gastrointestinal disease. 17 patients had apparent clinical symptoms, but only 8 had spontaneously observed relation between symptoms and milk intake. In many patients small amounts of milk were sufficient to provoke symptoms, and although dietary treatment was successful, rigorous exclusion of lactose was sometimes necessary.

Key-words:

• Disaccharides
• enzymes
• intestine, small
• lactase deficiency
• lactose
• malabsorption syndromes