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01-04-2007 | Original Article

Adult-type hypolactasia and calcium availability: decreased calcium intake or impaired calcium absorption?

Authors: B. M. Obermayer-Pietsch, M. Gugatschka, S. Reitter, W. Plank, A. Strele, D. Walter, C. Bonelli, W. Goessler, H. Dobnig, C. Högenauer, W. Renner, A. Fahrleitner-Pammer

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 4/2007

Abstract

Summary

Adult-type hypolactasia, as mediated by a widespread genetic predisposition, not only reduces calcium intake but also calcium absorption in the presence of high amounts of lactose and may, therefore, promote osteoporosis. A lactose-reduced diet and lactose-free calcium supplements may reverse this imbalance.

Introduction and hypothesis

Adult-type hypolactasia (HL) defined by the LCT_(−13910) polymorphism may reduce calcium intake by reducing dairy consumption and, therefore, promote osteoporosis. This study aimed to evaluate whether lactose also decreases intestinal calcium absorption in subjects with HL and whether lactose-reduced diet and lactose-free calcium supplementation as recommended could maintain bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods

Based on LCT genotyping, 73 postmenopausal women with and without HL underwent a conventional H₂ breath test with a concomitant oral strontium absorption test lasting 150 minutes, which closely reflects intestinal calcium absorption. In addition, we compared bone-specific laboratory parameters, lumbar and femoral BMD, and spinal radiographs to a similar bone assessment 5 years earlier.

Results

LCT genotyping and functional lactose malabsorption tests were highly correlated. Dairy product consumption was reduced by 80% in HL individuals. During concomitant lactose application, mean strontium absorption was blunted by 54% in HL subjects after 150 minutes (1272 ± 629 μg/L vs. 2020 ± 1130 μg/L in lactose tolerant subjects, p = 0.001). Nevertheless, BMD in HL subjects remained stable with lactose-free calcium supplements during the observation period.

Conclusion

Both decreased calcium intake as well as lactose-associated impaired calcium absorption may predispose subjects with HL to osteoporosis. Lactose-free calcium supplementation may help to maintain BMD in HL subjects.

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Title: Adult-type hypolactasia and calcium availability: decreased calcium intake or impaired calcium absorption?
Authors: B. M. Obermayer-Pietsch
M. Gugatschka
S. Reitter
W. Plank
A. Strele
D. Walter
C. Bonelli
W. Goessler
H. Dobnig
C. Högenauer
W. Renner
A. Fahrleitner-Pammer
Publication date: 01-04-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Osteoporosis International / Issue 4/2007
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-006-0251-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Adult-type hypolactasia and calcium availability: decreased calcium intake or impaired calcium absorption?

Abstract

Summary

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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