Related Experiment Videos
Recurrent abdominal pain in children: lactose and sucrose intolerance, a prospective study
Insights
Lactose intolerance may contribute to recurrent abdominal pain in children. A study found that eliminating lactose significantly relieved pain in most affected children, unlike sucrose elimination.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Digestive Health
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is a common issue in children, impacting their quality of life.
- Dietary factors, including carbohydrate intolerance, are often investigated as potential causes of RAP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of lactose and sucrose intolerance in pediatric recurrent abdominal pain.
- To assess the efficacy of dietary elimination based on tolerance test results.
Main Methods:
- Lactose tolerance tests were performed on 38 children with RAP.
- Sucrose tolerance tests were administered to 28 of these children.
- An elimination diet was implemented for 4 weeks based on test results.
Main Results:
- 11 out of 38 children showed abnormal lactose tolerance tests, with 10 experiencing pain relief on a lactose-free diet.
- None of the 28 children had abnormal sucrose tolerance tests; one child on a sucrose-free diet reported abdominal pain.
- Lactose elimination demonstrated significant pain relief, suggesting a contributory role.
Conclusions:
- Lactose intolerance appears to be a contributing factor in recurrent abdominal pain among children.
- Sucrose intolerance does not seem to play a significant role in the studied cases of pediatric RAP.
- Dietary management focusing on lactose may be beneficial for children with RAP.
Abstract:
Thirty-eight consecutive children with recurrent abdominal pain underwent lactose tolerance tests; 28 of these were also given sucrose tolerance tests. Abdominal pain and abnormal lactose tolerance tests were noted in 11 of 38, while none of the 28 had an abnormal sucrose tolerance test; however, 1 had abdominal pain. Elimination diet for 4 weeks produced significant or total pain relief in 10 of 11 (lactose free) and 0 of 1 children (sucrose free). Lactose intolerance seems to play a contributory role in recurrent abdominal pain in children, while sucrose intolerance does not.