Lactose Intolerance (cont.)
What are the long-term consequences of lactose intolerance?
The important long-term health consequence of lactose intolerance is calcium
deficiency that leads to osteoporosis. Less commonly, vitamin D deficiency may
occur and compound the bone disease. Both of these health issues can be
prevented easily by calcium and vitamin D supplements. The real problem is that
many lactose intolerant people who consciously or unconsciously avoid milk do
not realize that they need supplements.
What is new in lactose intolerance?
It is now possible to test the DNA of individuals to make a diagnosis of
lactose intolerance. This is likely to be an important research tool for
studying lactase deficiency and lactose intolerance. It is still too early to
know how helpful this sophisticated testing will be in the clinical evaluation
and treatment of patients. It is an expensive test.
In 1998, scientists were able to make lactose intolerant
rats tolerant of lactose by transferring the gene for lactase to their
intestinal lining cells. It is unlikely that this type of gene therapy will find
much of an application in people. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating example of
what science can accomplish.
Lactose Intolerance At A Glance
- Lactose intolerance is an inability to digest lactose, the main sugar in
milk, that gives rise to gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the intestinal enzyme
lactase that splits lactose into two smaller sugars, glucose and galactose, and
allows lactose to be absorbed from the intestine.
- The primary symptoms of lactose intolerance are diarrhea, flatulence (passing
gas), and abdominal pain. Abdominal bloating, abdominal distention, and nausea
also may occur.
- Lactose intolerance can be diagnosed by eliminating lactose from the diet,
milk challenge, breath test, blood glucose test, stool acidity test, and
intestinal biopsy.
- Lactose intolerance is treated with dietary changes, supplements of lactase
enzyme, and adaptation to increasing amounts of milk.
- Avoidance of milk and milk-containing products can lead to a dietary
deficiency of calcium and vitamin D that, in turn, can lead to bone disease
(osteoporosis).
Last Editorial Review: 5/8/2008
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