Lactose calcium absorption effect

Lactose appears to stimulate the intestinal absorption and retention of calcium. The effect may not be due to lactose but rather to its metabolic product, lactic acid, formed by microbial action in the gut. The... 

A variety of dietary sugars may eirhance the rate of calcium absorption, though the mechanism of this effect remains unclear (Schuettc et af., 1989). This effect has brought attention to the sugar in milk (lactose) as a nutrient that can enhance calcium absorption. This effect of lactose is not unique other sugars can produce the Same effect. 

Schuette, S. a., RnowTes,. and ford, H- E. (1989). Effect of lactose or its component sugars On jejunal calcium absorption in adult man. Am. ]. CJirt. Nuir. 50,1084-1087. 

Intestinal calcium absorption is influenced by dietary factors. Lactose and other sugars increase water absorption, thereby enhancing passive calcium uptake. The effect of lactose is especially valuable because of its presence in milk, a major source of calcium. Lactose also increases absorption of other metal ions. This effect may contribute to the incidence of lead poisoning (plumbism) among young inner-city children exposed to high dietary levels of both lead and lactose. 

There are many scientific evidences, supported by clinical studies, on the efficacy of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory, and urogenital diseases. Many microbial strains with probiotic properties are able not only to restore the intestinal microbial balance, but also to impart other beneficial effects on health, associated with the production of acids, bacteriocins and with the competition with pathogenic microorganisms. Among these, the main effects are the reduction of the level of cholesterol in the blood, the reduction of fecal enzymes, with potentially mutagenic activity that can induce the onset of tumors, the reduction of lactose intolerance, the increase of the response of the immune system, the increase of calcium absorption, and synthesis of vitamins. ... 

Gallagher et al. (1974) studied the effect of fermented dairy products (buttermilk, yogurt, and cottage cheese) on lactose tolerance and calcium absorption in three lactase-deficient subjects. Three diets (fermented dairy products, completely lactose-free diet, and nonfermented dairy products) were served in sequence for 4 d each. The three lactase-deficient patients tolerated the fermented dairy products without symptoms of lactose intolerance, whereas consumption of nonfermented dairy products... 

Cochet, B., Jung, A., Griessen, M., Bartholdi, P., Schaller, P., and Donath, A., 1983, Effect of lactose on intestinal calcium absorption in normal and lactase-deHcient subjects. Gastroenterology 84 935. 

Lactose improves calcium absorption in young infants, in whom absorption of calcium is predominantly by passive transport. In adults, the presence of lactose in the diet has little effect on the efficiency of calcium absorption. 

Lactose appears to promote the absorption of calcium but this is probably due to a nonspecific increase in intestinal osmotic pressure, an effect common to many sugars and other carbohydrates, rather than a specific effect of lactose. 

Kobayashi, A., Kawai, S., Ohbe, Y. and Nagashima, Y. 1975. Effects of dietary lactose and a lactase preparation on the intestinal absorption of calcium and magnesium in normal infants. Am J. Clin. Nutr. 28, 681-683. 

Calcium is the most abundant essential mineral in the human body, 99% being located in the bones and teeth. Caldum salts have been used therapeutically in many conditions, such as lactose intolerance, osteoporosis, premenstrual syndrome, colorectal cancer, kidney stones, and multiple sclerosis. Calcium supplementation has long been regarded as a fimdamental part of the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal bone loss. Several other health benefits have also been suggested, including improvements in blood pressure and serum cholesterol. Its adverse effects include constipation, bloating, and gas [Ifi ], as well as interference with the absorption of phosphate [17. ... 

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