Lactase deficiency in Australian school children

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Pediatric Health
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Lactase deficiency is common in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian populations.
• Immigrant children from these regions may have a high prevalence of lactase deficiency.
• Understanding lactose malabsorption in diverse pediatric populations is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of lactose malabsorption in primary school-aged children.
• To investigate two communities with a high proportion of immigrants in metropolitan Sydney.
• To inform nutritional education programs for a multiracial Australian population.

Main Methods:

• A total of 109 children aged five to 12 years were studied.
• The breath hydrogen method was used to assess lactose malabsorption.
• Lactose malabsorption was defined by a rise in end-expiratory hydrogen levels of 20 ppm or more post-lactose load.

Main Results:

• Forty percent (44/109) of children showed lactose malabsorption.
• Prevalence was highest in Asian children (93%), followed by Greek (56%) and other Mediterranean/Middle Eastern children (41%).
• 57% of followed-up children reported lactose intolerance symptoms, with most being those who malabsorbed lactose.

Conclusions:

• A high prevalence of lactase deficiency exists in immigrant children in Sydney.
• This finding necessitates consideration of Australia's multiracial identity in nutrition education.
• Culturally appropriate dietary guidance is essential for immigrant children's health and well-being.