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
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.