Lactose Intolerance Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is primarily caused by the colonic fermentation of unabsorbed lactose in individuals with lactose intolerance?

Increased appetite

Weight gain

Improved digestion

Abdominal pain (correct)

What form of lactase deficiency is the most common worldwide?

Secondary lactase deficiency

Primary lactase deficiency (correct)

Congenital lactase deficiency

Acquired lactase deficiency

Which ethnic groups have the highest prevalence rates of adult-type lactase deficiency?

East Asians

Native Americans

Northern Europeans

Mediterranean countries (correct)

What is the primary mechanism for lactose malabsorption in individuals with lactase deficiency?

Deficit in the lactase enzyme Signup and view all the answers

Which test is referred to as the gold standard for diagnosing lactase deficiency?

Gastrointestinal mucosal biopsy Signup and view all the answers

What can cause secondary lactase deficiency?

Celiac disease Signup and view all the answers

What is a common management strategy for individuals with lactose intolerance?

Consuming lactose-free products Signup and view all the answers

Congenital lactase deficiency is characterized by which of the following?

Normal intestinal mucosa Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential risk associated with the avoidance of dairy products?

Higher likelihood of osteoporosis Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment option is considered most reliable for those with lactose intolerance?

Lactose-free dairy products Signup and view all the answers

What factor does NOT modify clinical symptomatology in lactose intolerance?

Physical exercise habits Signup and view all the answers

How do probiotics and prebiotics potentially help individuals with lactase insufficiency?

They modulate gastrointestinal flora and may improve lactose digestion. Signup and view all the answers

What type of yoghurt is associated with improved lactose absorption?

Fresh yoghurt containing live cultures Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible role of unabsorbed lactose in the gut?

It acts as a prebiotic supporting intestinal flora health. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general finding regarding the effectiveness of probiotic and prebiotic supplementation in lactose intolerant individuals?

The data on its effectiveness remains inconclusive. Signup and view all the answers

Lactase enzyme supplementation can vary in effectiveness due to which of the following factors?

The lactose load and transit through the digestive system Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lactose Intolerance (LI)

Lactose intolerance (LI) is a common food intolerance, occurring when lactase activity is reduced in the small intestine.
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, and abdominal pain, triggered by the fermentation of undigested lactose in the colon.
LI symptom severity varies significantly between individuals.

Types of Lactase Deficiency

Lactase deficiency can be primary, secondary, or congenital.
Primary lactase deficiency is the most common type, caused by lactase non-persistence, leading to a progressive decline in lactase activity.
Prevalence varies geographically, higher in some African, Asian, and South American populations. 5-15% in countries in Northern Europe.
Secondary lactase deficiency is linked to pathologies or procedures affecting the small intestine (e.g., celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or surgery).
Congenital lactase deficiency is rare, presenting at birth with a complete absence of lactase activity.

Diagnosis and Management

Gastrointestinal mucosal biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, with hydrogen breath tests (HBTs) also common.
HBTs measure the increased exhaled hydrogen caused by bacterial fermentation of unabsorbed lactose.
Management typically involves reducing or eliminating dairy intake.
Lactose-free dairy products and lactase enzyme supplements are preferred treatments.

Modifying Factors and Treatments

Factors influencing LI symptoms include lactose load, lactase activity, intestinal transit speed, gastric emptying, and colonic compensation.
Probiotics and prebiotics are potentially helpful, modulating gut flora and enhancing digestion and colonic function.
Consuming yogurt with live cultures or fresh yogurt can sometimes improve lactose absorption.
However, unabsorbed lactose can act as a prebiotic, benefiting gut health.
While probiotics and prebiotics show promise, conclusive evidence regarding their impact on clinical outcomes in LI is limited.

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Description

Explore the causes, symptoms, and types of lactose intolerance in this informative quiz. Learn about the differences between primary, secondary, and congenital lactase deficiencies, as well as their prevalence across different populations. Test your understanding of this common food intolerance and its implications.