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Lactose malabsorption and intolerance in the elderly.

M Di Stefano1, G Veneto, S Malservisi

  • 1Gastroentrology Unit, IRCCS S. Matteo Hospital, University of Pavia, Italy. m.distefano@smatteo.pv.it

Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|January 5, 2002
PubMed
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As individuals age, lactose malabsorption increases, but lactose intolerance symptoms decrease. This study investigated age-related changes in lactose digestion and tolerance in adults and the elderly.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Human Physiology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Lactase activity decline with age in rats is known, but human data on elderly lactose intolerance and malabsorption is limited.
  • Previous studies on lactose intolerance in the elderly lack definitive conclusions.
  • The impact of aging on lactose intolerance and malabsorption requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of aging on lactose intolerance and malabsorption.
  • To assess age-related changes in lactose digestion and symptom prevalence.
  • To evaluate the relationship between age, lactose malabsorption, and intolerance symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Eighty-four healthy subjects were divided into three age groups: <65, 65-74, and >74 years.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Hydrogen/methane (H2/CH4) breath tests were used to assess intestinal gas production, oro-cecal transit time after lactulose, and lactose malabsorption.
  • Lactose intolerance symptoms were recorded during and after the lactose breath test.

    • Main Results:

    • Lactose malabsorption prevalence increased with age, being highest in subjects over 74 years.
    • Lactose intolerance prevalence among malabsorbers decreased with age, with the highest prevalence in the <65 years group.
    • No significant differences in daily calcium intake were observed across age groups.

    Conclusions:

    • Lactose malabsorption prevalence increases with age.
    • Lactose intolerance symptoms among those with malabsorption decrease with advancing age.
    • Daily calcium intake remained consistent across adult and elderly participants.