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Lactose malabsorption in Mexican-American adults
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|April 1, 1977
Summary
Lactose malabsorption is common in Mexican-American adults (53%), impacting nutrient intake and causing symptoms. Anglo-Americans show lower rates (15%) with no significant dietary differences observed between absorbers and malabsorbers within groups.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Gastroenterology
- Ethnic Health Disparities
Background:
- Lactose malabsorption is a common condition affecting nutrient absorption and dairy consumption.
- Prevalence varies significantly across ethnic groups, potentially impacting health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine lactose malabsorption prevalence in Mexican-American (MA) and Anglo-American (AA) adults.
- To correlate malabsorption with nutrient intake and dairy consumption.
- To assess symptom experience in relation to lactose malabsorption.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 277 MA and 142 AA adults (18-94 years).
- Lactose malabsorption assessed, correlated with 24-hr dietary recalls and milk/dairy intake.
- Symptom experience after milk ingestion recorded.
Main Results:
- Lactose malabsorption found in 53% of MA and 15% of AA adults.
- No significant differences in protein, calorie, riboflavin, vitamin A, or calcium intake between absorbers and malabsorbers within ethnic groups.
- Higher vitamin A, calcium, and riboflavin intake in AA compared to MA subjects.
- Similar milk/dairy consumption between absorbers and malabsorbers.
- Over 60% of MA malabsorbers and 24% of AA malabsorbers reported symptoms after milk ingestion.
Conclusions:
- Lactose malabsorption is highly prevalent in Mexican-American adults.
- While not affecting overall nutrient intake in this study, individual malabsorbers may limit dairy consumption due to symptoms.
- Ethnic differences in prevalence highlight potential health disparities.