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Updated: May 27, 2026
04:41
Measuring Lactase Enzymatic Activity in the Teaching Lab
Published on: August 6, 2018
Milk consumption and lactose intolerance in adults
Rong Qiao1, ChengYu Huang, HuiZhang Du
1Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China. qiaoron@hotmail.com
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences : BES
|November 24, 2011
Summary
Lactose intolerance (LI) in adults is linked to how much and how often milk is consumed. Many adults with LI can tolerate moderate milk intake, under 160 mL.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Gastroenterology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Lactose intolerance (LI) is a common condition affecting adults globally.
- Understanding the relationship between milk consumption patterns and LI symptoms is crucial for dietary recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between milk consumption behaviors and lactose intolerance in adults.
- To explore how milk intake affects lactase activity in individuals with LI.
Main Methods:
- 182 adults aged 20-70 years were recruited.
- Questionnaires assessed accumulative milk intake (AMI).
- Hydrogen breath test (HBT) evaluated lactose intolerance.
Main Results:
- A negative correlation was observed between AMI and LI symptom severity (r=-0.2884, P<0.05).
- LI showed negative correlations with milk consumption duration and frequency (ORs 0.317 and 0.465, respectively; P<0.05).
- LI positively correlated with the amount of milk consumed per sitting (OR, 6.337; P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Lactose intolerance is influenced by diverse milk consumption behaviors.
- Moderate milk consumption (less than 160 mL) may be tolerated by most Chinese adults with LI.
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