Effects of a lactose-free diet on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients with and without lactose maldigestion

Author(s)

Marília Pinheiro César

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina (FM/SBD)
• Defense date: 2013-04-17

Examining board members

Aderson Omar Mourão Cintra Damião; Tomás Navarro Rodriguez

• Advisor: Aderson Omar Mourão Cintra Damião

Abstract

Introduction: Lactose intolerance detected by respiratory tests is rather common in patients with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS); also, some IBS patients refer their symptoms exacerbate after ingestion of milk and dairy products. In order to gain some insight into this topic we investigated the effects of a lactose-free diet in IBS patients with and without lactose intolerance diagnosed by means of the hydrogen respiratory test. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a lactose-free diet in IBS patients with and without lactose intolerance. Methodos: 80 patients who attended the outpatient clinic at the University of São Paulo School of Medicine Hospital, Brazil, were recruited for this prospective study. Patient met the Rome III criteria for IBS. During the hydrogen respiratory test all the symptoms triggered by lactose ingestion were taken down. Both groups of patients, with and without lactose intolerance, were submitted to a lactose-free diet for 4 weeks. Previous history of milk/dairy products intolerance was documented. At the end of each week, patients were asked to inform about their symptoms and the results were duly scored according to their intensity (Global Score). Also, the Patient Final Global Evaluation of the Treatment (PFGET) was obtained as well. Results: 33/80 (41.25%) IBS patients had an abnormal respiratory test for lactose intolerance; 47/80 (58.75%) IBS patients had a normal respiratory test (n.s.). There was no significant difference in the frequency of previous complaints after milk/dairy products ingestion in both groups. However, more patients in the lactose intolerant group referred symptoms during the respiratory test with 25 g of lactose than the lactose tolerant group (p<0,001). Both groups similarly improved after a lactose-free diet when evaluated by both the Global Score and the PFGET. Conclusions: Both groups of IBS patients, with and without lactose intolerance, improved after a 4-week lactose-free diet. Our results suggest that other mechanisms, in addition to lactose intolerance, should be taken into account to explain why IBS patients improve with a lactose-free diet (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/03156-3 - Effect of dietary restriction of lactose on irritable bowel syndrome patients
• Grantee: Marília Pinheiro César
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master