What is Lactose Intolerance
and how can probiotics help?
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant
amounts of lactose (e.g. 8 fl oz of milk), the major sugar
found in milk and milk products.
Lactose intolerance is caused in part
by a shortage of lactase, an enzyme produced by the cells
that line the small intestine. Lactase breaks lactose down
into the simple forms of sugar, glucose and galactose, so
they can be absorbed and used by the body.
Infants have the highest levels of lactase,
which helps them digest their mother's milk.
In about 75% of the world's population,
a genetic trait causes lactase levels to start irreversibly
decreasing after weaning. By adulthood, most lactase activity
is lost.
Although the decline in lactase activity
affects the majority of the population, not everyone has
symptoms of lactose intolerance after consuming normal amounts
of lactose.
Whether or not people develop symptoms
appears to be linked to the ability of a certain type of
beneficial bacteria, called lactic acid bacteria, to break
down lactose. Some people may have more lactic acid bacteria
in their intestines than others, so they don't develop symptoms.
People who do are said to have lactose
intolerance.
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include:
Lactose left undigested in the intestines
can result in diarrhea, because of the excessive amounts
of water that are drawn into the intestines by lactose.
Hydrogen is produced, causing gas and bloating.
What Natural Remedies Do People Use?
Acidophilus and Probiotics
Acidophilus is one of many types of lactic acid bacteria.
Lactic acid bacteria in the intestines breaks lactose down
into short-chain fatty acids and other substances that can
be absorbed by the colon.
Lactic acid bacteria are available as
dietary supplements. They are usually found as capsules,
tablets, or powders in the refrigerated section of health
food stores. They are also available at some drug stores,
grocery stores, and online.
There are many different types of lactic
acid bacteria. The ones used most often for lactose intolerance
include:
The company Enzymatic Therapy makes a
product called Acidophilus Pearls that doesn't require refrigeration.
It contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidiobacterium
longum.
Acidophilus and the other probiotics are
popular remedies to prevent and reduce symptoms of lactose
intolerance. In a 2000-2002 survey of 61,587 people aged
50 to 76 years that was published in the Journal of the
American Dietetic Association, acidophilus for lactose intolerance
was found to be one of the top reasons people used a specific
supplement for a health condition.
Despite its popularity, not all studies
have found acidophilus or the other probiotics can help
diminish symptoms of lactose intolerance.
In a systematic review published in 2005
in the Journal of Family Practice, researchers searched
randomized controlled trials published between 1966 and
2002. Out of the 90 studies that were found, only 10 articles
met their inclusion criteria.
Three out of nine studies found that probiotics
reduced breath hydrogen levels and three had both positive
and negative results. The breath hydrogen test is non-invasive
test widely used to assess lactose intolerance, based on
the finding that people with lactose intolerance exhale
increased levels of hydrogen gas.
When the researchers looked at symptoms,
one out of seven studies showed a significant reduction
in symptoms, another had both positive and negative results,
and five studies showed no benefit.
Although the results of the review
appear to indicate mixed results for reducing breath hydrogen
and poor results at reducing symptoms, it's important to
know that each study used a different type of lactic acid
bacteria, a different concentration, and a different product.
In other words, perhaps the study that found a significant
reduction in symptoms used the right type of bacteria in
the right amount. Further well-designed studies are neededd.
