The Prevalence of Self-reported Lactose Intolerance and the Consumption of Dairy Foods Among African American Adults Are Less Than Expected

Effect of Raw Milk on Lactose Intolerance: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

“…1,2 Bacteria in the colon ferment undigested lactose into short-chain fatty acids, hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide, resulting in such symptoms as bloating, abdominal pain, and/or diarrhea after ingestion of lactose. 1 National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus development panel defined lactose intolerance as a clinical syndrome characterized by the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms following a lactose challenge, 3 whereas true lactose malabsorption is identified through a hydrogen breath test (HBT).…”

“…6 Because of inconsistent definitions in previous studies, the true prevalence of lactose intolerance is unknown. 7 Strategies to reduce unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms associated with lactose intolerance include (1) choosing lactose-free or reduced-lactose dairy foods, [8][9][10][11] (2) choosing fermented dairy foods, [11][12][13] (3) combining lactose intake with a meal, [14][15][16] (4) taking lactase enzyme tablets, 10,11,17 (5) consuming probiotics, 11,[18][19][20] (6) colonic adaptation, [21][22] and (7) psychological and behavioral approaches. [23][24][25] None of these strategies, however, have been shown to fully eliminate symptoms.…”

African American Females: A Potential Link Between Vitamin D Insufficiency and Type-2 Diabetes

“…In relation to lactose intolerance and avoidance of dairy products, the National Dairy Council sought to determine the prevalence of lactose intolerance between African Americans and the general population, as well as its influence on dairy choices. Of the 2,016 African American subjects participating in an online survey, 49% of them indicated physical discomfort when consuming dairy products, were more likely to identify themselves lactose intolerant, and ate fewer dairy products [29]. This population has a high prevalence of lactose intolerance and experiences more discomfort when consuming dairy products [29,30], which limits their selection of vitamin D-rich foods.…”

“…Of the 2,016 African American subjects participating in an online survey, 49% of them indicated physical discomfort when consuming dairy products, were more likely to identify themselves lactose intolerant, and ate fewer dairy products [29]. This population has a high prevalence of lactose intolerance and experiences more discomfort when consuming dairy products [29,30], which limits their selection of vitamin D-rich foods. The prevalence of lactose intolerance among the African American population may be due to genetic transmission [31].…”

Comparison of an increased waist circumference with a positive hydrogen breath test as a clinical predictor of lactose intolerance

“…4 J. N. Keith et al reported an LI prevalence of approximately 20%, 10%, and 8% among African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and European Americans, respectively. 5 Data from a child population of Indonesia show a prevalence of lactose malabsorption of 21.3% in children aged [3][4][5]57.8% in children aged 6-11, and 73% in children aged 12-14; whereas in the Mexican population, the prevalence of LI has been reported to be 41.7%, 46.4%, and 40.5% in preschool children (3-5 years old), school children (6-12 years old), and adolescents (13-17 years old), respectively, 3 evidencing age-related variations.…”