EFFECT OF YOGURT ON SYMPTOMS AND KINETICS OF HYDROGEN-PRODUCTION IN LACTOSE-MALABSORBING CHILDREN

Lactase-deficient adults demonstrate improved lactose absorption and f ewer symptoms when consuming yoghurt than when consuming milk containi ng equivalent amounts of lactose. To examine this effect and its mecha nisms in children, we compared symptoms and hydrogen production as an index of lactose malabsorption after typical servings of milk, pasteur ized yogurt, and yogurt containing active live culture in 14 lactose-m alabsorbing children (mean age 9.5 y). Symptoms and interval breath-hy drogen concentrations were recorded for 8 h after ingestion of 12 g la ctose served as milk and yogurts. Lactose-malabsorbing children experi enced significantly fewer symptoms after consuming yogurt containing a ctive cultures than after consuming milk (P < 0.005). Pasteurized yogu rt showed an intermediate effect. Lactose from yogurt was not better a bsorbed than was lactose from milk, as indicated by similar areas unde r the hydrogen curve; however, yogurt was associated with a delayed ti me to rise and lower rate of rise of the hydrogen curve. The rate of h ydrogen rise correlated with the degree of symptoms. In children, mech anisms other than enhanced lactose absorption from yogurt may lead to changes in the kinetics of hydrogen production, which in turn are asso ciated with improved tolerance.