CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM IN RELATION TO LACTOSE TOLERANCE

Abstract

Calcium and phosphorus balance tests were done in four volunteer patients (controls) with normal lactose tolerance and one patient with lactose intolerance. When lactose was ingested by controls the fæcal and urinary calcium and phosphorus fell with a striking improvement in calcium and phosphorus balance. When lactose was ingested by the lactose-intolerant patient fæcal calcium rose, calcium balance became more negative, and fæcal fat increased. When lactose was stopped both fæcal fat and fæcal calcium fell, and calcium balance became less negative. These results suggest that the beneficial effect of lactose on intestinal calcium absorption is absent in patients with lactose deficiency. Administration of lactose may induce a negative calcium balance large enough to be a factor in the eventual production of osteoporosis.