[Activity of intestinal disaccharidases in human aging]

In 59 persons of advanced (60-74 years) and in 17 others of senile (75-89 years) age the activity of disaccharides in the small intestine was studied. In the past history of all the examinees no affections of the gastro-intestinal tract were recorded. As controls 26 healthy subjects aged 20-26 were examined. It was noted that the activity of maltase in the duodenal mucosa declined in advanced age and of maltase, lactase and saccharase - in senility. In jejunal mucosa the activity of maltase and lactase proved less active in persons of senile age. The reduced activity of intestinal disaccharides is attended by atrophy of the jejunal mucosa.