Temperature of a test solution influences abdominal symptoms in lactose tolerance tests.

Abstract

In lactose maldigesters, retarding gastric emptying (food/pharmaceuticals) improves tolerance to lactose. The role of temperature of test solution on the indicators of lactose intolerance was studied. After an overnight fast, 10 lactose maldigesters ingested, in three sessions, 50 g lactose in a randomized cross-over trial. The solutions were at temperatures of 20-21 degrees C (room temperature), 2-3 degrees C (cold) and 55-58 degrees C (hot). Gastrointestinal symptoms and indicators measuring lactose absorption were recorded. Abdominal pain was noticeably increased by the modification of temperature. The cold solution reduced flatulence and abdominal bloating, whereas the hot solution increased bloating and borborygmi. Breath hydrogen excretion tended to be augmented and retarded after cold solution. The temperature of the solution used in a lactose tolerance test affects the gastrointestinal symptoms, but has only minor effects on the other indicators of lactose maldigestion. The constant tendencies observed suggest that a room temperature solution is to be recommended for testing lactose digestion.

• Authors: K Peuhkuri, H Vapaatalo, R Nevala, R Korpela
• Journal: Scandinavian journal of clinical and laboratory investigation (Scand J Clin Lab Invest) Vol. 60 Issue 1 Pg. 75-80 (Feb 2000) ISSN: 0036-5513 [Print] England
• PMID: 10757456 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Blood Glucose
• Hydrogen
• Galactose

Topics

• Abdomen
• Adult
• Blood Glucose
• Breath Tests
• Cross-Over Studies
• Female
• Galactose (urine)
• Gastric Emptying
• Humans
• Hydrogen (analysis)
• Lactose Intolerance (diagnosis)
• Lactose Tolerance Test (methods, standards)
• Middle Aged
• Reproducibility of Results
• Temperature