Prevalence of lactose intolerance and malabsorption among children of two ethnic groups from the urban areas of Malaysia and its relation to calcium intake and bone health status

Lactase insufficiency could develop into lactose intolerance (LI) and disrupt the intake of calcium, which is a core nutrient for bone development in children. However, data regarding the prevalence of LI and bone health status (BHS) among Malaysian children are scarcely reported.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LI and lactose malabsorption (LM) in Malay and Chinese children and examine its relationship with calcium intake (CI) and BHS.

METHODS: A total of 400 children participated in this study. The prevalence of lactose tolerance (LT) was assessed using hydrogen breath test, LT test, and visual analogue scales. Assessment of CI was performed using a 24-h dietary recall interview (24-h DR) and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) was measured using a quantitative ultrasonometer.

RESULTS: The prevalence of LI among Chinese children (37%) was significantly higher (p = 0.002) than among Malay children (22.5%). However, 61.5% of Malay and 54.5% of Chinese children were found to have LM. CI of the children fulfilled 30.5% and 33.9% of the Malaysian recommended CI (1300 mg/day) for 24-h DR and FFQ, respectively. The BUA score of Malay children was significantly higher (p  0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: LI was diagnosed among Malay and Chinese children. However, the higher prevalence of LM is rather worrying as it could develop to LI. The prevalence possibly has been worsened by insufficient CI. Thus, effective approaches to increase CI are highly needed as bone development occurs rapidly at this age and is important for the attainment of the optimum peak bone mass during late adolescence.