Lactose Intolerance Research Articles

Development of a legume-enriched feed for treatment of severe acute malnutrition.

Background: Outcomes in children hospitalised with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remain poor. The current milk-based formulations focus on restoring weight-gain but fail to address modification of the integrity of the gut barrier and may exacerbate malabsorption owing to functional lactase, maltase and sucrase deficiency. We hypothesise that nutritional feeds should be designed to promote bacterial diversity and restore gastrointestinal (GI) barrier function. Methods: Our major objective was to develop a lactose-free, fermentable carbohydrate-containing alternative to traditional F75 and F100 formulae for the inpatient treatment of SAM. New target nutritional characteristics were developed and relevant food and infant food specific legislation were reviewed. Suitable certified suppliers of ingredients were identified. Processing and manufacture steps were evaluated and optimised for safety (nutritional, chemical and microbiological), and efficacy at meeting target characteristics (lactose-free, containing resistant starch 0.4-0.5% final product weight). Results: A final validated production process was developed and implemented to produce a novel food product for the inpatient treatment of SAM in children in Africa designed to reduce risk of osmotic diarrhoea and support symbiotic gut microbial populations. The final product matched the macronutrient profile of double-concentrated F100, adhered to all relevant legislation regulating infant foods, was lactose free, and contained 0.6% resistant starch. Chickpeas were selected as the source of resistant starch, since they are widely grown and eaten throughout Africa. Micronutrient content could not be matched in this ready-to-use product, so this was replaced at the point of feeding, as was fluid lost through concentration. Conclusions: The processes and product described illustrate the development steps for a novel nutritional product. The new feed product was ready for evaluation for safety and efficacy in a phase II clinical trial in Ugandan children admitted to hospital with SAM (Modifying Intestinal MicroBiome with Legume-Based feed 2: MIMBLE feed 2 (ISRCTN10309022)).

DNA polymorphisms associated with lactase persistence, self-perceived symptoms of lactose intolerance, milk and dairy consumption, and ancestry, in the Uruguayan population.

Uruguay has one of the highest per capita milk intakes worldwide, even with a limited supply of lactose-free products; furthermore, the admixed nature of its population is well known, and various frequencies of lactase persistence (LP) are observed in the source populations. We aimed to contribute to the understanding of the relation between allelic variants associated with LP, milk consumption, digestive symptoms, and genetic ancestry in the Uruguayan population. Samples of saliva or peripheral blood were collected from 190 unrelated individuals from two regions of Uruguay, genotypes for polymorphic sites in a fragment within the LCT enhancer were determined and allelic frequencies calculated in all of them. Data were collected on frequency of milk and dairy consumption and self-reported symptoms in a subsample of 153 individuals. Biparental and maternal ancestry was determined by analyzing individual ancestry markers and mitochondrial DNA. Twenty-nine percentage of individuals reported symptoms attributed to the ingestion of fresh milk, with abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence being the most frequent. European LP-associated allele T-13910 showed a frequency of 33%, while other LP-associated alleles like G-13915 and T-14011 were observed in very low frequencies. Associations between self-reported symptoms, fresh milk intake, and C/T-13910 genotype were statistically significant. No evidence of association between genetic ancestry and C/T-13910 was found, although individuals carrying one T-13910 allele appeared to have more European ancestry. In conclusion, the main polymorphism capable of predicting lactose intolerance in Uruguayans is C/T-13910, although more studies are required to unravel the relation between genotype and lactase activity, especially in heterozygotes.

Development and Physico-Chemical Analysis of Vegan Lactose-Free Chocolate Milk extracted from Fagopyrumesculentum. (Buckwheat)

The study of Buckwheat flavoured vegan milk development was carried out at the Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara. The main goal of developing a flavoured Buckwheat milk is to provide a lactose-free and delightful product to people who are lactose intolerant i.e. indigestion of lactose as well as cow's milk allergy. Buckwheat milk does not contain natural sugar lactose, so it can be recommended for people with lactose intolerance. Proper and ideal packaging along with refrigeration storage makes the Buckwheat milk fit and in sound condition for up to 10 days. Buckwheat milk has tremendous nutritional value and can be an effective asset in eradicating lactose intolerance by supplementing young age groups, lactose-intolerant people, and vegans who do not prefer to consume regular milk. Flavoured buckwheat milk was produced by extracting milk from germinated and non-germinated soaked buckwheat and different compositions of milk were prepared. Three distinct dilutions were created using buckwheat milk and water ratios (1:2, 1:4, 1:8) for further milk formulations. The best formulation is used for further organoleptic evaluations such as taste, colour, mouth feel, and overall acceptability. Following that, proximal analysis and microbial parameters were evaluated. The ideal selected formulation contained 5.14% Protein, 63.5% Carbohydrate, 0.53% Ash, 2.42% Fat, and 293 Kcal per 100g. According to the findings, buckwheat milk is a vegan product with a high nutritional value which can be strongly suggested for people who are lactose intolerant.

Design of a Plant-Based Yogurt-Like Product Fortified with Hemp Flour: Formulation and Characterization.

Plant-based milk alternatives have gained massive popularity among consumers because of their sustainable production compared to bovine milk and because of meeting the nutritional requests of consumers affected by cow milk allergies and lactose intolerance. In this work, hemp flour, in a blend with rice flour, was used to design a novel lactose- and gluten-free yogurt-like (YL) product with suitable nutritional, functional, and sensory features. The growth and the acidification of three different lactic acid bacteria strains were monitored to better set up the biotechnological protocol for making the YL product. Hemp flour conferred the high fiber (circa 2.6 g/100 g), protein (circa 4 g/100 g), and mineral contents of the YL product, while fermentation by selected lactic acid bacteria increased the antioxidant properties (+8%) and the soluble fiber (+0.3 g/100 g), decreasing the predicted glycemic index (-10%). As demonstrated by the sensory analysis, the biotechnological process decreased the earthy flavor (typical of raw hemp flour) and increased the acidic and creamy sensory perceptions. Supplementation with natural clean-label vanilla powder and agave syrup was proposed to further decrease the astringent and bitter flavors. The evaluation of the starter survival and biochemical properties of the product under refrigerated conditions suggests an estimated shelf-life of 30 days. This work demonstrated that hemp flour might be used as a nutritional improver, while fermentation with a selected starter represents a sustainable and effective option for exploiting its potential.

Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Casein Gene Family in Camelus ferus.

Camel milk is known for its exceptional medical uses. It has been used since ancient times to treat infant diarrhea, hepatitis, insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), lactose intolerance, alcohol-induced liver damage, allergies, and autism. It has the power to treat several diseases, with cancer being the most significant. This study investigated the evolutionary relationship, physiochemical characteristics, and comparative genomic analysis of the casein gene family (CSN1S1, CSN2, CSN1S2, and CSN3) in Camelus ferus. Molecular phylogenetics showing the camelid species clustered casein nucleotide sequences into four groups: CSN1S1, CSN2, CSN1S2, and CSN3. The casein proteins from camels were evaluated and found to be unstable, thermostable, and hydrophilic. CSN1S2, CSN2, and CSN3 were acidic, but CSN1S1 was basic. CSN1S1 showed positive selection for one amino acid (Q), CSN1S2 and CSN2 for three (T, K, Q), and CSN3 showed no positive selection. We also compared high-milk-output species such as cattle (Bos Tarus) and low-milk-yield species such as sheep (Ovies Aries) with camels (Camel ferus) and discovered that YY1 sites are more frequent in sheep than in camels and very low in cattle. We concluded that the ratio of YY1 sites in these species may affect milk production.

Long-term trends in human body size track regional variation in subsistence transitions and growth acceleration linked to dairying

Evidence for a reduction in stature between Mesolithic foragers and Neolithic farmers has been interpreted as reflective of declines in health, however, our current understanding of this trend fails to account for the complexity of cultural and dietary transitions or the possible causes of phenotypic change. The agricultural transition was extended in primary centers of domestication and abrupt in regions characterized by demic diffusion. In regions such as Northern Europe where foreign domesticates were difficult to establish, there is strong evidence for natural selection for lactase persistence in relation to dairying. We employ broad-scale analyses of diachronic variation in stature and body mass in the Levant, Europe, the Nile Valley, South Asia, and China, to test three hypotheses about the timing of subsistence shifts and human body size, that: 1) the adoption of agriculture led to a decrease in stature, 2) there were different trajectories in regions of in situ domestication or cultural diffusion of agriculture; and 3) increases in stature and body mass are observed in regions with evidence for selection for lactase persistence. Our results demonstrate that 1) decreases in stature preceded the origins of agriculture in some regions; 2) the Levant and China, regions of in situ domestication of species and an extended period of mixed foraging and agricultural subsistence, had stable stature and body mass over time; and 3) stature and body mass increases in Central and Northern Europe coincide with the timing of selective sweeps for lactase persistence, providing support for the "Lactase Growth Hypothesis."

What happens in your body when you have lactose intolerance?

The purpose of this article is to describe a modeling sequence about the digestive system. What happens in your body when you have lactose intolerance? is the initial question that will guide the activities. Students will build a 3D plaster cast of the digestive system as part of a modeling cycle through which they are expected to evaluate and refine their models both individually and cooperatively. Today, about two-thirds of the population in the world are known to have lactose intolerance. Besides, lactose intolerance and allergy to cow’s milk are usually mistaken by the public. For those reasons, the topic seems fundamental to be taught to children in the science class.

Prevalence of cow´s milk allergy and lactose intolerance among Mexican late adolescents

To determine the prevalence of cow´s milk allergy and lactose intolerance in a sample of late adolescents. Through a population-based study, data corresponding to students with aged 15 to 18 years were analyzed. A total of 1992 adolescents was analized. The prevalence of cow´s milk allergy was 1.4% (95% CI: 0.2% to 0.8%) and the prevalence of lactose intolerance was 0.5% (95% CI: 0.2% to 0.8%). Adolescents with cow´s milk allergy had fewer gastrointestinal symptoms (p = 0.036), but more skin (p < 0.001) and respiratory (p = 0.028) ailments than adolescents with lactose intolerance. The manifestations associated with cow's milk consumption in late adolescents seem to correspond mainly to cow´s milk allergy than to lactose intolerance.

An alternative source of probiotics: Water kefir

AbstractThe aim of this review was to compile the origin and distribution of water kefir, its production, microbial diversity, fermentation dynamics, health effects, and its place in national/international food legislation. Water kefir is a traditional, slightly carbonated fermented beverage with a lactic acid content of up to 2%. It is obtained by fermenting sugar by kefir grains, which are white or yellowish in color and translucent in appearance. The types of microorganisms in the water kefir differ depending on the sugar, carbon sources, and fermentation conditions. It has a complex microbiota mainly consisting of lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, and yeasts. In addition, fermented water kefir contains various metabolites, including sugar, fruit‐derived components, lactic acid, acetic acid, ethanol, carbon dioxide, mannitol, vitamins, and amino acids such as arginine. As a non‐dairy fermented beverage, water kefir emerges as an alternative source of probiotics for individuals with lactose intolerance, people with dairy allergic reactions, and vegan consumers. However, although consumer demands have driven the food industry to increase the production of water kefir, the most common production still relies on the traditional method due to some difficulties in the industrial‐scale production process. On the other hand, more in vitro and in vivo studies should be carried out to reveal the health benefits of water kefir.

Epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of Blastocystis hominis infection among children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City

To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of Blastocystis hominis infection among children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City. Children with diarrhea under 5 years of age admitted to Guangzhou Children's hospital, Guangzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital and Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center during the period between January 1 and December 31, 2020, were enrolled. Participants' demographics, living environments and health status were collected using questionnaire surveys. Stool samples were collected from participants and nucleic acid was extracted. B. hominis infection was identified using PCR assay and sequence alignment, and the factors affecting B. hominis infection among children with diarrhea under 5 years of age were identified using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 684 children with diarrhea under 5 years of age were enrolled, including 468 male children and 216 female children, with a mean age of (1.79 ± 1.12) years. The overall prevalence of B. hominis infection was 4.97% [34/684, 95% confidential interval (CI): (3.59%, 6.86%)] among participants, and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of B. hominis infection between children with chronic [7.52% (20/266), 95% CI: (4.92%, 11.33%)] and acute diarrhea [3.35% (14/418), 95% CI: (2.01%, 5.54%)] (χ2 = 5.983, P = 0.014). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified keeping pet [odds ratio (OR) = 6.298, 95% CI: (2.711, 14.633)], drinking non-tap water [OR = 4.522, 95% CI: (1.769, 11.561)], lactose intolerance [OR = 4.221, 95% CI: (1.043, 17.087)], antibiotic use [OR = 0.125, 95% CI: (0.017, 0.944)] and chronic diarrhea [OR = 2.172, 95% CI: (1.018, 4.637)] as factors affecting B. hominis infection among children with diarrhea under 5 years of age in Guangzhou City. B. hominis infections is detected in children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City. Improving home environments and pet-keeping hygiene is recommended to reduce the likelihood of B. hominis infection among children.

Milk intake, lactase persistence genotype, plasma proteins and risks of cardiovascular events in the Swedish general population

To investigate the associations of milk intake (non-fermented and fermented milk), lactase persistence (LCT-13910 C/T) genotype (a proxy for long-term non-fermented milk intake), and gene-milk interaction with risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD mortality. Also, to identify the CVD-related plasma proteins and lipoprotein subfractions associated with milk intake and LCT-13910 C/T genotype. The prospective cohort study included 20,499 participants who were followed up for a mean of 21 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a modified diet history method. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). After adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, higher non-fermented milk intake was significantly associated with higher risks of coronary heart disease (CHD) and CVD mortality, whereas higher fermented milk intake was significantly associated with lower risks of CVD and CVD mortality. The genotype associated with higher milk (mainly non-fermented) intake was positively associated with CHD (CT/TT vs. CC HR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.55) and CVD (HR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.42). The association between rs4988235 genotype and CVD mortality was stronger in participants with higher milk intake than among participants with lower intake (P for interaction < 0.05). Furthermore, leptin, HDL, and large HDL were associated with non-fermented milk intake, while no plasma proteins or lipoprotein subfractions associated with fermented milk intake and LCT-13910 C/T genotype were identified. In conclusion, non-fermented milk intake was associated with higher risks of CHD and CVD mortality, as well as leptin and HDL, whereas fermented milk intake was associated with lower risks of CVD and CVD mortality.

Lactose intolerance prevalence in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional analytic study

Background: Lactose intolerance is a common worldwide medical condition that affects around two-thirds of the global population, with variations across regions. South American, Asian, and African individuals tend to develop lactase deficiency, while northern Europe and northern Indians may maintain lactose digestion into adulthood. West African and Arab individuals also suffer from lactose intolerance. Research on lactose intolerance prevalence in Saudi Arabia can provide valuable data for the medical field and general population. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Riyadh region, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The study population consisted of 274 patients, with an age range from 18 years old to 70 years old. Results: Out of 274 patients, 45.3% tested positive for lactose intolerance. Males constituted 58% of the sample, and 30.3% of positive results were from male patients, while 15% were from females. A significant association was found between positive lactose tests and male gender (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Chronic conditions were present in 53.4% of patients, and 23.9% of them had positive lactose tests. A significant association was observed between positive lactose tests and medication use (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Regarding weight loss, 47.6% of patients with positive lactose tests experienced no weight loss, 19.2% reported weight loss, and 2% had stable weight. An association was found between positive lactose tests and weight loss (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The study found significant associations between positive lactose test results and gender, medication use, weight loss, and abdominal pain, indicating lactose intolerance is a multifaceted condition influenced by multiple factors. Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay and establish causality using longitudinal study designs.

The incidence of adult type hypolactasia in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

The incidence of lactose intolerance in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) varies in the literature (27-72%). Primary adult lactase deficiency (adult type hypolactasia) is the most common type of primary enzyme deficiency. Complaints related to lactose intolerance may overlap with the symptoms of IBS. To assess the prevalence of primary hypolactasia in patients with IBS. The study included 56 patients with IBS diagnosed based on the Rome III criteria and 23 healthy people. All study participants completed a questionnaire on IBS symptoms and lactose intolerance, and they underwent a hydrogen breath test (HBT) with lactose. In the group of patients with positive results of HBT, the polymorphism C/T -13910 and G/A -22018 in the promoter of the LCT gene encoding lactase was determined. Lactase deficiency was diagnosed in HBT in 34 (60.7%) patients with IBS and in the control group - in 10 (43.5%). Primary adult type hypolactasia was confirmed in 78.9% (n = 30; 79.3% in the study group; 77.8% in the control group). There were no statistically significant differences in the occurrence of LCT gene polymorphisms in particular IBS subtypes. Adult type hypolactasia was significantly more common in patients with severe than moderate and mild enzyme deficiency in HBT (p < 0.05). The incidence of lactase deficiency in IBS patients is not different from that found in healthy subjects. Nevertheless, irrespective of the IBS subtype, lactose intolerance may pose additional issues in patients with IBS and requires the targeted treatment.

Irritable bowel or irritated by lactose?

This case demonstrates that identification and linking of functional gastrointestinal symptoms helps distinguish lactose intolerance from irritable bowel syndrome. The high prevalence amongst Asian and African populations suggests that lactose intolerance should be considered early on and simple but effective interventions can lead to early diagnosis and better patient outcomes. Keywords: Lactose intolerance, Irritable bowel syndrome

Machine Learning Approach for Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Selection in Genetic Testing Results

Lactose intolerance is a type of digestive problem that may threaten the population because milk and dairy products compose of nutrients that are essential for human body. Genetic tests possess a great potential to detect lactose intolerance as it can be used in children and even infants. However, a new approach to analyze the genetic test results is needed to elucidate the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that are related to lactose intolerance. In this work, we utilized the machine learning based feature selection to select the SNPs associated with lactose tolerance trait from genotyping samples of direct-to-customer (DTCG genetic tests, obtained from the public database. Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) with XGBoost model was used to perform feature selection. We also compared three different models, such as XGBoost, support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF) for training the selected features. Our findings revealed that 20 SNPs (out of 3501) were chosen, with rs4394668 as the most important variables (F-score 0.009). Furthermore, when compared to the RF and SVM models, the XGBoost model had the highest accuracy (0.87). Further studies should be undertaken to elucidate how the selected SNPs may lead to the lactose intolerance trait.

Social and economic difficulties of patients with food intolerances.

The basic method of treating food hypersensitivity is the elimination diet, which is difficult for the patient in many ways. To identify the main problems faced by patients with symptoms of food intolerance. The survey was conducted from February 2021 to December 2021. The survey was posted in Polish thematic groups on Facebook, dedicated to people with food intolerances. The survey contained 34 questions about food intolerances and the use of elimination diets. Questions about the cost of the diet and difficulties in applying the elimination diet were included. There was no statistically significant relationship between the type of food intolerance and the body mass index of patients. It was found that people with lactose intolerance had a lower increase in food expenditure since the introduction of the diet than those without lactose intolerance. Almost half of the respondents did not find a difference in expenses. 21% of respondents noticed an increase of PLN 50-100/month, 19% - PLN 10-50/month, and only 6% above PLN 200/month. Circumstances where following an elimination diet is a particular challenge included intense private and professional lifestyle, prolonged stay away from home, and lack of time to prepare meals at home. The difficulties in maintaining an elimination diet are dependent on the patient's work and lifestyle. The cost of equivalents of intolerant products is also an important factor to consider when analysing the source of problems in maintaining the diet.

The role of probiotics in the modulation of intestinal microbiota in lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is one of the most common eating disorders. People affected by this disorder cannot digest large amounts of lactose due to the genetically low expression of the lactase enzyme. The human gut microbiota consists of the majority of diverse microbial communities that affect intestinal health, immunological balance and also metabolize lactose. One of the methods to combat this disorder is the use of probiotics. Probiotic microorganisms are contained in large quantities in live fermented milk products, which are used as functional food products all over the world because of their beneficial effects on human health. In addition, there are low lactose/lactose free fermented milk products on the world market, which, in addition to having a positive effect on the human body, contribute to the breakdown and reduction of the amount of lactose, thereby helping to tolerate lactose more easily. This review focuses on important developments that can neutralize the adverse effect of lactase on human health when consuming dairy products.

Role of Nutrition in Gastroesophageal Reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac Disease, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

There remains a paucity of data on the efficacy of nutritional interventions in luminal gastrointestinal disorders. This review appraises the evidence supporting dietary modification in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Alhough the use of elimination diets; high fat/low carb; low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols; and lactose-free diets in GERD have been studied, the evidence supporting their efficacy remains weak and mixed. Patients with GERD should avoid eating within 3 hours of lying recumbent. Studied dietary interventions for disorders of gut-brain interaction include low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols and gluten-restricted and lactose-free diets. While all can be effective in carefully, individually selected patients, the evidence for each intervention remains low. In patients with inflammatory bowel disease, enteral nutrition is established in pediatric populations as useful in reducing inflammation and partial enteral nutrition has a growing evidence base for use in adults and children. Specific carbohydrate diets and the Crohn's disease exclusion diet show promising evidence but require further study to validate their efficacy prior to recommendation. Overall, the evidence supporting nutritional therapy across luminal gastrointestinal disorders is mixed and often weak, with few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating consistent efficacy of interventions. RCTs, particularly cross-over RCTs, show potential to compare dietary interventions.

Lactose Intolerance and Emerging Dairy Allergies as Public Health Perspective

Lactose Intolerance and Emerging Dairy Allergies as Public Health Perspective

Everything You Need to Know About Gluten and Lactose Intolerance. A review

Everything You Need to Know About Gluten and Lactose Intolerance. A review