Lactose intolerance in Iran.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Human Physiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Lactose malabsorption is a widespread condition.
• Understanding its prevalence and clinical manifestations is crucial for public health.
• Age-related differences in lactose digestion are well-documented in various populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of lactose malabsorption and intolerance in an Iranian population.
• To investigate the relationship between age and lactose malabsorption.
• To assess the correlation between lactose malabsorption and the occurrence of clinical symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 105 Iranian subjects aged 4 months to 25 years participated.
• Subjects underwent a lactose tolerance test involving blood glucose level monitoring after lactose ingestion.
• Clinical symptoms of lactose intolerance were recorded and analyzed.

Main Results:

• 68% of the subjects exhibited lactose malabsorption based on low blood glucose response.
• Lactose malabsorption prevalence increased significantly with age, from 31% in children under 3 years to 86% in adults.
• Only 57% of lactose malabsorbers reported clinical symptoms, with symptom prevalence highest in adults and lowest in young children.

Conclusions:

• Lactose malabsorption is highly prevalent in the Iranian population, with a marked increase in adults.
• A significant portion of individuals with lactose malabsorption do not exhibit clinical symptoms of lactose intolerance.
• Age is a critical factor influencing both lactose malabsorption and the manifestation of intolerance symptoms.