Effect of lactose-induced diarrhoea on absorption of nitrogen and fat

The absorption of fat and the absorption and retention of nitrogen were studied in 20 children with kwashiorkor. 13 of the 20 had lactose malabsorption and severe diarrhoea on milk feeds. Fat absorption was not affected by lactose-induced diarrhoea, but nitrogen absorption was impaired. Despite this, nitrogen retention was unaffected and it is concluded that milk and milk products would continue to be used in programmes to eliminate malnutrition.