LACTOSE DIGESTION CAPACITY AND PERCEIVED SYMPTOMATIC RESPONSE AFTER DAIRY PRODUCT CONSUMPTION IN TOKELAU ISLAND MIGRANTS

Authors
Citation
Sm. Cheer et Js. Allen, LACTOSE DIGESTION CAPACITY AND PERCEIVED SYMPTOMATIC RESPONSE AFTER DAIRY PRODUCT CONSUMPTION IN TOKELAU ISLAND MIGRANTS, American journal of human biology, 9(2), 1997, pp. 233-246
Citations number
46
Categorie Soggetti
Anthropology,Biology
ISSN journal
10420533
Volume
9
Issue
2
Year of publication
1997
Pages
233 - 246
Database
ISI
SICI code
1042-0533(1997)9:2<233:LDCAPS>2.0.ZU;2-0
Abstract
When lactose-malabsorbing individuals use dairy products decreased lac tase activity and the subsequent reduction in hydrolysis of ingested l actose can result in gastrointestinal and gaseous symptoms (lactose in tolerance). This article examines lactose malabsorption, perceived gas trointestinal symptoms, and dairy product consumption in a Tokelau Isl and migrant population in New Zealand. Questionnaire data were collect ed and lactose digestion capacity was determined for 58 individuals 15 -71 years of age. Additional questionnaire data were collected for 137 Tokelau migrants, 18-50 years of age. Breath hydrogen analysis indica ted that 63.8% (CI = 51.4-76.2%) of Tokelau migrants were lactose mala bsorbers, while 22.4% (11.7-33.1%) can absorb lactose [results are inc onclusive for 13.8% (4.9-22.7%) of the population]. This was consisten t with results reported for other Polynesian populations. Tokelau Isla nd migrants reported relatively low levels of gastrointestinal distres s after the consumption of dairy products. Less than 50% of those with lactose malabsorption perceived gastrointestinal symptoms after a 50 g of lactose in 300 mi of water, while one third of this group reporte d symptoms after approximately 240 mi (one glass) or less of milk. How ever without confirmation by double-blind studies, it is difficult to state the extent to which symptoms are actually due to lactose. Neithe r the ability to absorb lactose nor perceived gastrointestinal symptom s are associated with the frequency or quantity of dairy product consu mption (P > 0.05). Patterns of dairy product consumption are just as l ikely due to other physiological, psychological, cultural, and social factors. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.