Disaccharide consumption and malabsorption in Canadian Indians

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Human Physiology
• Indigenous Health

Background:

• Lactose malabsorption is prevalent in Indigenous populations.
• Understanding carbohydrate tolerance is crucial for dietary recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess lactose and sucrose malabsorption in Sioux and Saulteaux communities in Manitoba.
• To investigate the relationship between age, diet, and carbohydrate intolerance.
• To inform public health strategies for Indigenous children.

Main Methods:

• Screening for lactose malabsorption in 57 Indigenous individuals.
• Sucrose tolerance testing in 55 individuals.
• Correlation analysis of age, dietary intake, and symptom scores.

Main Results:

• 60% of subjects were lactose malabsorbers, with incidence rising with age (onset 8-15 years).
• 45% experienced lactose intolerance; symptoms were more severe in non-milk drinkers.
• Northern communities had higher lactose and sucrose consumption; Saulteaux showed higher glucose response to sucrose.
• Lactose malabsorption was found in 3 of 8 children under 4 years.

Conclusions:

• Lactase deficiency is common in these Indigenous groups and linked to age and diet.
• Medical professionals should consider lactase deficiency in cases of non-infectious diarrhea in Indigenous children.
• Vitamin D-fortified milk supplementation should continue, with strategies to mitigate symptoms in intolerant individuals.