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Lactose malabsorption in preschool black children
Insights
Nearly 30% of healthy Black children aged 13-59 months showed lactose malabsorption. This common digestive issue in preschoolers did not correlate with socioeconomic status or milk intake.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Gastroenterology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Lactose malabsorption is prevalent in various populations.
- Understanding its occurrence in young children is crucial for dietary recommendations.
- Socioeconomic factors may influence health outcomes, including digestive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of lactose malabsorption in healthy Black children.
- To investigate the relationship between lactose malabsorption and socioeconomic status.
- To explore potential links between milk consumption patterns and lactose malabsorption.
Main Methods:
- A lactose tolerance test was administered to 116 healthy Black children (13-59 months).
- Blood glucose levels were measured at intervals after lactose ingestion.
- Clinical symptoms of malabsorption were recorded.
Main Results:
- Lactose malabsorption was identified in 34% (29%) of the children.
- Clinical signs like diarrhea and gas occurred in 18% of malabsorbers.
- No significant association was found between malabsorption and socioeconomic status, infant feeding, or current milk intake.
Conclusions:
- Lactose malabsorption is common in young Black children, irrespective of socioeconomic background.
- Dietary habits and socioeconomic factors do not appear to be primary drivers of lactose malabsorption in this cohort.
- Further research may explore genetic predispositions or other environmental factors.
Abstract:
One hundred sixteen healthy black children ages 13 to 59 months, representing high and low socioeconomic deciles, were studied for lactose malabsorption. A fasting lactose tolerance test using 2 g of lactose/kg of body weight was carried out. Glucose was determined at 0, 15, 30, and 60 min. Of the 116 preschoolers 34 (29%) evidenced lactose malabsorption as determined by a blood glucose rise of less than 26 mg/100 ml. Clinical signs of diarrhea, gas, and cramps were noted singly or in combination in 18% of the 34 lactose-malabsorbing children. Of the 82 lactose absorbers, 12% demonstrated similar signs. The nature and length of the initial infant milk feeding failed to show any relationship to the onset of malabsorption. Current milk drinking patterns were reported as being similar. Eight-seven percent of the malabsorbers and 92% of the absorbers report drinking 240 ml or more of milk/day. Socioeconomic status, education, marital status, and medical assistance of the parent is similarly distributed between lactose absorbers and malabsorbers.