The impact of lactose malabsorption and lactose intolerance on dairy consumption in children and adolescents with selected gastrointestinal diseases

Background Lactase deficiency may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms after milk ingestion, known as lactose intolerance. Studies showed that lactose intolerant individuals avoid milk consumption, but they eat other dairy. Most of these studies were conducted on healthy people. Aim The aim of present study was to evaluate the impact of lactose malabsorption and lactose intolerance on dairy consumption in children with gastrointestinal diseases. Material and methods Hydrogen breath test was conducted on pediatric patients aged from 2 to 19 years. Data regarding consumption of milk, plain fermented dairy products (FDP), flavored FDP, cheese and cottage cheese were collected. Differences in dairy consumption were analyzed between lactose absorbers and lactose malabsorbers, as well as between lactose intolerant and lactose tolerant individuals. Results Two hundred and three children were selected to the study (82 males, mean age 11.39 years). There was no relationship between dairy products consumption and age. However, the frequency of lactose intolerance increased significantly with age. The type of gastrointestinal disease influenced only the cottage cheese consumption. Lactose intolerance decreased significantly milk consumption, but not other dairy products consumption. Lactose intolerants consumed dairy products (excluding milk) more often than lactose tolerants (38.2% and 23.6% respectively). Positive relationship between milk consumption and the consumption of FDP and cottage cheese was observed only in lactose absorbers and lactose tolerants. Conclusions Lactose intolerance decreases milk consumption, but does not affect other dairy consumption. Dietary preferences play a key role in dairy consumption in lactose absorbers and lactose tolerant children.