Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026
04:41
Measuring Lactase Enzymatic Activity in the Teaching Lab
Published on: August 6, 2018
Calcium absorption from milk in lactase-deficient subjects
M Griessen1, B Cochet, F Infante
1Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University of Geneva Hospital and Geneva University, Switzerland.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Lactose in milk enhances calcium absorption in lactase-deficient individuals, suggesting milk is beneficial for them. Glucose-based drinks offer an alternative for lactose-intolerant patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Calcium absorption is crucial for bone health.
- Lactose intolerance affects a significant portion of the population.
- The role of lactose in calcium absorption among lactase-deficient individuals requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intestinal calcium absorption in lactase-deficient versus normal lactase subjects.
- To compare calcium absorption from milk with lactose versus glucose.
- To determine if lactase deficiency impacts calcium absorption.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a double-isotope technique to measure calcium absorption.
- Employed deconvolution methods to obtain kinetic indices.
- Compared calcium absorption from milk (with lactose or glucose) and a water solution.
Main Results:
- Calcium absorption was similar in normal lactase and lactase-deficient subjects when ingesting glucose-based milk or water.
- Calcium absorption increased significantly in lactase-deficient subjects consuming milk with lactose.
- Normal lactase subjects showed no difference in calcium absorption between milk with lactose and water.
Conclusions:
- Milk is an effective source of calcium, comparable to water solutions.
- Lactose in milk enhances calcium absorption in lactase-deficient individuals.
- Milk consumption may be advisable for lactase-deficient individuals to prevent calcium deficiency, while glucose-based alternatives benefit lactose-intolerant patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
01:25Carbohydrate Absorption
Carbohydrates are essential macronutrients that serve as the body's primary energy source. Their digestion begins in the mouth, where salivary amylase partially breaks down complex carbohydrates such as starch into smaller oligosaccharides. This mechanical and enzymatic activity prepares carbohydrates for further processing in the gastrointestinal tract.
After being swallowed, the partially digested carbohydrates mix with gastric secretions in the stomach. However, the acidic environment...
After being swallowed, the partially digested carbohydrates mix with gastric secretions in the stomach. However, the acidic environment...
01:24Lipid Absorption
Dietary triglycerides from chyme in the duodenum are mixed with bile salts produced by the liver to emulsify fats. As a result, large droplets are broken down into smaller ones, increasing the surface area for enzymatic action. Once emulsified, pancreatic lipases hydrolyze the triglycerides into free fatty acids and monoglycerides.
These breakdown products bind with bile salts and lecithin to form micelles, which quickly pass between microvilli to come in close contact with the apical...
These breakdown products bind with bile salts and lecithin to form micelles, which quickly pass between microvilli to come in close contact with the apical...
01:16Methods for Studying Drug Absorption: In vitro
In vitro experiments are crucial for understanding the transport and absorption of drugs through biological materials. These studies employ varied methods such as the diffusion cell method, the everted sac technique, and the everted ring technique.
The diffusion cell method uses a two-compartment cell, including a donor compartment with the drug solution, which simulates the environment where the drug is applied, and a receptor compartment with a buffer solution, which simulates the environment...
The diffusion cell method uses a two-compartment cell, including a donor compartment with the drug solution, which simulates the environment where the drug is applied, and a receptor compartment with a buffer solution, which simulates the environment...
01:19Absorption of Nutrients
Absorption refers to taking dietary nutrients from the intestinal lumen for transportation throughout the body. After digestion in the small intestine, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are broken down into simpler forms. These essential macronutrients and other vital substances, such as vitamins, minerals, and water, are then prepared for absorption into the bloodstream.
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...