A comparative study was carried out to compare prevalence of lactase d
eficiency among people with chronic non-specific dyspepsia and a norma
l population. A statistically higher prevalence in the former group wa
s found. Fifty patients with positive results in the symptomatic group
were put on a lactose-free diet. Complete relief was obtained in 10 p
atients and partial improvement in 16 more. The authors of this study
recommend some type of lactose tolerance test for any patient with lon
g-standing non-specific dyspepsia.