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Abstract
Lactose maldigestion has been under intensive research since its discovery in the 1960’s. We know the prevalence of lactose maldigestion in a great number of countries and ethnic groups. However, there is often no provision made for the secondary type of maldigestion, and the study populations have sometimes been selected rather than picked at random. New methods for the measurement of lactose digestion have been developed, and its genetic mechanisms have received a great deal of attention during the last few years. However, in many studies the measurement and/or reporting of symptoms has quite often been overlooked. In this review, various topics related to lactose intolerance are discussed with a special emphasis on its symptoms.
Key teaching points:
• Many lactose maldigesters tolerate small to moderate amounts of lactose without remarkable discomfort. However, when consumption of liquid dairy products reach a couple of servings per day or more, some individuals will benefit of the use of products with reduced lactose content (hydrolyzed lactose, fermented dairy products).
• Yoghurt is well tolerated by lactose maldigesters, even pasteurized yoghurt.
• Symptoms of lactose intolerance resemble those of some other gastrointestinal dysfunctions such as functional bowel disorders and other maldigestions.
• The severity and perhaps also the nature of symptoms may change with age and with variable physiological conditions. It is therefore advisable to test one’s own tolerance every once in a while.
Key teaching points:
• Many lactose maldigesters tolerate small to moderate amounts of lactose without remarkable discomfort. However, when consumption of liquid dairy products reach a couple of servings per day or more, some individuals will benefit of the use of products with reduced lactose content (hydrolyzed lactose, fermented dairy products).
• Yoghurt is well tolerated by lactose maldigesters, even pasteurized yoghurt.
• Symptoms of lactose intolerance resemble those of some other gastrointestinal dysfunctions such as functional bowel disorders and other maldigestions.
• The severity and perhaps also the nature of symptoms may change with age and with variable physiological conditions. It is therefore advisable to test one’s own tolerance every once in a while.