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Lactose and milk intolerance: clinical implications
The New England Journal of Medicine
|May 29, 1975
Summary
Lactose intolerance is common in adults, affecting 81% of Black patients and leading to digestive symptoms like gas and cramps after consuming milk or lactose. This condition is clinically significant and impacts dietary choices.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Human Physiology
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Lactose intolerance is widely assumed to affect a majority of the global adult population.
- Understanding its clinical relevance in hospitalized patients is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the clinical significance of lactose intolerance diagnosed via tolerance testing in hospitalized male patients.
- To assess the prevalence of lactose intolerance across different ethnic groups.
Main Methods:
- Conducted lactose tolerance tests on 166 hospitalized male patients.
- Administered low-fat milk and pure lactose to assess symptomatic responses.
- Correlated test results with self-reported symptoms and milk consumption habits.
Main Results:
- Abnormal lactose tolerance tests were observed in 81% of Black patients and 12% of White patients.
- 72% of "lactose-intolerant" subjects recognized milk-induced gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Milk or lactose consumption caused symptoms in 59-68% of "lactose-intolerant" men, but not in "lactose-tolerant" men.
Conclusions:
- Lactose intolerance is a prevalent condition in adult patients.
- It is clinically relevant, manifesting as noticeable gastrointestinal symptoms and influencing dietary behavior.
- Higher prevalence observed in Black patients compared to White patients.