Lactose Intolerance - A Review

Abstract

Now a day’s lactose intolerance is primarily seen in the persons who are unable to digest the enzyme lactose & during infancy which provides an excellent source of energy at a time of rapid growth and development. Common symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, lactose malabsorption patients after ingestion of lactose. Lactose intolerance is present in up to 68% with higher rates around worldwide. A diagnosis of lactose intolerance can usually be made with a careful history supported by dietary manipulation, if necessary diagnosis can be confirmed by using a lactose intolerance test / hydrogen breather. The main treatment is to improve digestive symptoms rather than reducing malabsorption and reduction of lactose intake is recommended. Enzyme replacement therapy is a choice of therapy and other therapy involves probiotics. However, the evidence that unabsorbed lactose is causing infantile crying and colic contradictory. Unabsorbed lactose has bifidogenic effect and improves calcium absorption. The American academy of pediatrics suggests use of dairy foods(milk,cheese,ghee etc) as an important source of calcium for bone health and of other nutrients that enhance growth in children and adolescence.
Keywords: Lactose, Infants, Milk, Galactose.