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Respiratory methane excretion in children with lactose intolerance
M S Medow1, M S Glassman, S M Schwarz
1Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla 10595.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Lactose-intolerant children show increased methane production after consuming lactose, indicating a link between carbohydrate malabsorption and gut gas. This methane increase occurs even with lactase supplements, suggesting complex causes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Carbohydrate malabsorption is common, particularly lactose intolerance.
- Methane production in the colon is linked to specific gut bacteria.
- The relationship between lactose malabsorption and methane production requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between colonic methane production and lactose malabsorption in children.
- To quantify breath methane levels in lactose-intolerant versus lactose-tolerant children following a lactose challenge.
Main Methods:
- Measured end-expiratory methane and hydrogen levels in 70 normal and 40 lactose-intolerant children.
- Administered an oral lactose challenge (2 g/kg) after fasting.
- Monitored time-dependent gas excretion for 120 minutes post-challenge.
Main Results:
- Lactose-intolerant children exhibited significantly elevated breath methane levels compared to controls, peaking at 5.1 ppm at 90 minutes.
- Breath hydrogen levels increased markedly in lactose-intolerant subjects, confirming malabsorption.
- Methane levels continued to rise in lactose-intolerant children even when co-administered with lactase.
Conclusions:
- Lactase-deficient children demonstrate increased methane excretion after lactose ingestion.
- Enhanced methane production may result from altered fecal pH and increased substrates from colonic fermentation.
- The clinical significance of elevated methane in lactose intolerance warrants further research.