When to suspect lactose intolerance. Symptomatic, ethnic, and laboratory clues

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Human Nutrition

Background:

• Lactose intolerance is a common condition, primarily caused by adult-type hypolactasia leading to lactose malabsorption.
• Some individuals with normal lactase activity may experience symptoms after consuming lactose-containing foods.
• Lactose maldigestion can co-occur with irritable bowel syndrome in adults and recurrent abdominal pain in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the understanding of lactose intolerance and its management.
• To highlight the prevalence and causes of lactose malabsorption.
• To discuss dietary strategies and available replacement therapies for lactose intolerance.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on lactose intolerance.
• Analysis of symptoms and triggers in individuals with and without normal lactase activity.
• Evaluation of management strategies including dietary modifications and lactase replacement products.

Main Results:

• Most lactose-intolerant adults tolerate small amounts of milk (under 240 mL daily).
• Symptomatic reactions to lactose can occur even in individuals with normal lactase activity.
• Dietary adjustments are the primary management approach, with calcium supplementation and careful label reading recommended for dairy avoiders.

Conclusions:

• Lactose intolerance management primarily involves dietary changes.
• Calcium intake should be monitored in individuals avoiding dairy.
• The efficacy of available lactase replacement products is variable.