Nutritional consequences of low dose milk supplements consumed by lactose-malabsorbing children

The nutritional consequences of supplementary milk consumption by lactose-malabsorbing children were determined by nutrient balance studies. Twelve subjects received a marginally adequate rice and vegetable base-line diet alone and with simulated milk supplements containing either glucose or lactose during three separate balance periods. The diets were equally well accepted and tolerated. The children gained significantly more weight and had improved apparent nitrogen absorption and retention on the milk supplemented diets (P less than 0.001), and there was no difference between the effects of glucose milk and lactose milk. Fecal wet weights and energy and carbohydrate excretions were modestly increased with the lactose-containing diet, but not significantly so. It is suggested that low dose milk supplements can be well utilized when consumed by lactose malabsorbers in conjunction with other foods. Milk consumption need not be discouraged for populations among whom lactose malabsorption is widely prevalent, but milk should be provided in relatively low doses and the clinical responses to its consumption should be monitored.