Published September 29, 2023 | Version v1
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The Problem of Lactase Deficiency: Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches in Children

Authors/Creators

  • 1. Bogomolets National Medical University, Ukraine

Description

The article is devoted to one of the most urgent problems of pediatrics – the malabsorption syndrome caused by lactose intolerance in children of different age periods. Lactose intolerance refers to the inability of the intestinal enzyme systems to break down lactose, which manifests itself clinically. In fact, lactose intolerance is a clinical manifestation of lactase deficiency (LD), that is, a decrease in the activity of lactase in the intestine, which can be congenital or acquired.

The purpose of the study is to analyze literature data on the factors of occurrence and clinical manifestations of lactase deficiency in children and to summarize the tactics of managing children with this pathology.

In the world literature it is noted that lactase deficiency can be primary and secondary and is clinically manifested both in children and adults, depending on the degree of activity of the lactase enzyme. Depending on the amount of lactose consumed and lactase activity, people with lactose malabsorption experience numerous gastrointestinal manifestations. Treatment for LD consists of reducing or eliminating lactose from the diet until symptoms resolve, supplementing the diet with enzyme substitutes or lactase supplements, and eating lactose-free alternatives (lactose-free products). Cow's milk is one of the main sources of calcium and a number of other vitamins and minerals. Thus, the complete elimination of dairy products may contribute to the development of bone diseases such as osteopenia and osteoporosis, so the dietary approach plays a critical role in the management of patients with LD. In this regard, great attention is now being paid to the use of lactose-free milk in children and adults with LD.

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https://family-medicine.com.ua/issue/view/17171

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