INCIDENCE OF LACTOSE INTOLERANCE IN MALNOURISHED CHILDREN

Abstract

Introduction: Lactose Intolerance is a condition in which a child has symptoms due to the decreased ability to digest lactose. It is due to the lack of enzyme lactase in the small intestines to break lactose down into glucose and galactose. Materials & Methods: This study was carried out in children admitted in paediatric wards. 214 children ranged between ages of 6 months to 5 years of both sex and varying grades of malnutrition were studied. This study was conducted at Government Medical College (RIMS), Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh. Results:In our study, maximum number of cases was between age group 2-3 years.  In our study, out of 214 cases, 139 were found to have Lactose Malabsorption and out of 139, 65 were found between 2-3 years of age. Keywords: Lactose Intolerance, Kadapa, Malnutrition, Lactose