Milk intolerance among Iranian school children

Probiotics--compensation for lactase insufficiency

Yogurt and other conventional starter cultures and probiotic bacteria in fermented and unfermented milk products improve lactose digestion and eliminate symptoms of intolerance in lactose maldigesters. These beneficial effects are due to microbial beta-galactosidase in the (fermented) milk product, delayed gastrointestinal transit, positive effects on intestinal functions and colonic microflora, and reduced sensitivity to symptoms. Intact bacterial cell walls, which act as a mechanical protection of lactase during gastric transit, and the release of the enzyme into the small intestine are determinants of efficiency. There is a poor correlation between lactose maldigestion and intolerance; in some studies, low hydrogen exhalation without significant improvement of clinical symptoms was observed. Probiotic bacteria, which by definition target the colon, normally promote lactose digestion in the small intestine less efficiently than do yogurt cultures. They may, however, alleviate clinical symptoms brought about by undigested lactose or other reasons.

Is cow's milk suitable for the dietary supplementation of rural Gambian children? 2. Patterns of cow's milk intake

Cow's milk has been advocated as a source of supplementary diet for children in many parts of the developing world. The frequency and forms of cow's milk intake and the factors regulating its availability and consumption by 507 children aged up to 6 years in three Gambian villages were measured. Nineteen per cent of mothers did not give cow's milk to their children. Of 413 children taking cow's milk, 41% consumed it only once a week, 32% two to four times a week, 19% once a day and 8% more than once a day. Eighty per cent of children took both fresh and sour milk. Forty-one per cent of infants up to 1 year old received cow's milk at some time. There was a decrease with age in the proportion of children taking fresh milk and a rise with age in the proportion taking sour milk alone (p < 0.001) and both forms of milk. Only 2% of children were reported to have an adverse reaction to fresh cow's milk. The main factors affecting intake were the availability of money and milk. The consumption of cow's milk in early life is common and free of adverse effects. When it is available, it should be used to supplement the diet of the weaned child.