Lactose maldigestion, calcium intake and osteoporosis in African-, Asian-,and Hispanic-Americans

Dietary calcium is critical for the development of the human skeleton and l ikely plays an important role in the prevention of osteoporosis. Dairy prod ucts provide approximately three-fourths of calcium consumed in the diet an d are the most concentrated sources of this essential nutrient. One obstacl e that likely interferes with calcium consumption among many ethnic soups i s lactose maldigestion The real or perceived occurrence of intolerance symp toms after dairy food consumption may cause maldigesters to avoid dairy pro ducts. Several investigators have observed a relationship between lactose m aldigestion, dietary calcium and osteoporosis in Caucasian populations. Res earch on ethnically diverse populations is necessary to better understand h ow lactose maldigestion influences the risk for osteoporosis. Low calcium i ntakes, a greater than previously thought potential for low bone density an d extensive lactose maldigestion among Hispanic-American and Asian-American populations may create an elevated risk for osteoporosis. Dietary manageme nt strategies for lactose maldigesters to increase calcium consumption incl ude consuming (I) dairy foods with meals, (2) yogurts, (3) calcium-fortifie d foods, (4) using lactose digestive aids and (5) including dairy foods dai ly in the diet to enhance colonic metabolism of lactose.