Relative lactose intolerance. A clinical study of tube-fed patients
B. C. Walike and J. W. Walike
A relative intolerance of lactose was demonstrated in 14 of 16 patients
receiving nasogastric tube feedings following surgery for head or neck
carcinoma. Two liquid diets differing only in the presence or absence of
lactose, were administered for eight to 20 days per patient in a
double-blind crossover study. Increased stool frequency, decreased stool
consistency, and more frequent flatulence, borborygmi, and distention were
found with the lactose diet, although classic lactose intolerance (plasma
glucose rise of less than 26 mg/dl) was indicated in only two patients.
Differences between amounts and times of peak rise following the glucose
tolerance test and lactose tolerance test for each patient indicated the
advisability of locating patients on a continuum of ability to hydrolyze
lactose. The results indicate that lactose should be reduced or eliminated
from tube-feeding diets to improve patient tolerance and comfort and to
reduce diarrhea.
