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Lactose malabsorption in Mexican-American children
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Lactose malabsorption is more prevalent in Mexican-American children (37%) than Anglo-American children (8%), increasing with age. Dietary intake did not differ between lactose absorbers and malabsorbers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Gastroenterology
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Lactose malabsorption, caused by low intestinal lactase, is common globally.
- Prevalence varies significantly across different ethnic and age groups.
- Understanding ethnic differences in lactose tolerance is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare lactose tolerance and nutrient intake in Mexican-American (MA) and Anglo-American (AA) children.
- To investigate the relationship between lactose malabsorption and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- To assess dietary patterns in relation to lactose absorption in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Lactose tolerance testing and 24-hour dietary recall in 282 MA and 51 AA children (ages 2-14).
- Systematic recording of gastrointestinal symptoms post-lactose challenge.
- Analysis of nutrient intake, including protein, vitamin A, calcium, and energy.
Main Results:
- Lactose malabsorption prevalence was 37% in MA children and 8% in AA children, rising with age.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms increased with age in malabsorbers of both groups.
- No significant differences in nutrient or milk intake between absorbers and malabsorbers, though AA children consumed more milk.
Conclusions:
- Mexican-American children exhibit a significantly higher incidence of lactose intolerance compared to Anglo-American children.
- This finding aligns with the high prevalence of primary lactose intolerance in global populations.
- Dietary factors did not differentiate absorbers from malabsorbers, suggesting a primary genetic basis for lactose intolerance in this cohort.