Tolerance of different dairy products in subjects with symptomatic lactose malabsorption due to adult type hypolactasia

Abstract

Introduction: A large portion of the world's population undergoes a genetically programmed decrease in lactase synthesis and may experience symptoms of lactose intolerance (LI) after dairy consumption. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of the same dose of lactose consumed by LI subjects in the form of different dairy products. Material and methods: Fifteen healthy young adults with LI were enrolled in the study. All subjects were symptomatic homozygotes -13910 C/C in the lactase promoter gene. The hydrogen-methane breath test was performed in each subject after a load of 400 ml of milk, kefir and yogurt. Clinical symptoms were assessed within the 12 h after each product consumption. Results: The excretion of gases was lower after ingestion of kefir and yogurt in comparison to milk. All examined subjects reported symptoms. After milk consumption, abdominal pain and intestinal rumbling were perceived as more severe. The number of stools was higher and their consistency was more liquid. Conclusions: Young adults with LI are not able to tolerate the typical dose of different dairy products as assessed by subjective and objective measures. The tolerance of kefir and yogurt is significantly better than that of milk.