Ika Aida Aprilini Makbul1,2, Norlida Mat Daud3,4, Noor Fairuzi Suhana Yahya1,5, Nurul Azrianti Aziz1. 1. Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. 2. Centre For Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 3. Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. norlida.daud@ukm.edu.my. 4. Innovation Centre for Confectionery Technology (MANIS), Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. norlida.daud@ukm.edu.my. 5. Centre of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
Abstract
Lactase insufficiency could develop into lactose intolerance (LI) and disrupt the intake of calcium, which is a core nutrient for bone development in children. However, data regarding the prevalence of LI and bone health status (BHS) among Malaysian children are scarcely reported. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LI and lactose malabsorption (LM) in Malay and Chinese children and examine its relationship with calcium intake (CI) and BHS. METHODS: A total of 400 children participated in this study. The prevalence of lactose tolerance (LT) was assessed using hydrogen breath test, LT test, and visual analogue scales. Assessment of CI was performed using a 24-h dietary recall interview (24-h DR) and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) was measured using a quantitative ultrasonometer. RESULTS: The prevalence of LI among Chinese children (37%) was significantly higher (p = 0.002) than among Malay children (22.5%). However, 61.5% of Malay and 54.5% of Chinese children were found to have LM. CI of the children fulfilled 30.5% and 33.9% of the Malaysian recommended CI (1300 mg/day) for 24-h DR and FFQ, respectively. The BUA score of Malay children was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that of Chinese children. However, LT and CI were not correlated with BHS (p > 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LI was diagnosed among Malay and Chinese children. However, the higher prevalence of LM is rather worrying as it could develop to LI. The prevalence possibly has been worsened by insufficient CI. Thus, effective approaches to increase CI are highly needed as bone development occurs rapidly at this age and is important for the attainment of the optimum peak bone mass during late adolescence.
Lactase insufficiency could develop into lactose intolerance (LI) and disrupt the intake of calcium, which is a core nutrient for bone development in children. However, data regarding the prevalence of LI and bone health status (BHS) among Malaysian children are scarcely reported. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LI and lactose malabsorption (LM) in Malay and Chinese children and examine its relationship with calcium intake (CI) and BHS. METHODS: A total of 400 children participated in this study. The prevalence of lactose tolerance (LT) was assessed using hydrogen breath test, LT test, and visual analogue scales. Assessment of CI was performed using a 24-h dietary recall interview (24-h DR) and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) was measured using a quantitative ultrasonometer. RESULTS: The prevalence of LI among Chinese children (37%) was significantly higher (p = 0.002) than among Malay children (22.5%). However, 61.5% of Malay and 54.5% of Chinese children were found to have LM. CI of the children fulfilled 30.5% and 33.9% of the Malaysian recommended CI (1300 mg/day) for 24-h DR and FFQ, respectively. The BUA score of Malay children was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that of Chinese children. However, LT and CI were not correlated with BHS (p > 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LI was diagnosed among Malay and Chinese children. However, the higher prevalence of LM is rather worrying as it could develop to LI. The prevalence possibly has been worsened by insufficient CI. Thus, effective approaches to increase CI are highly needed as bone development occurs rapidly at this age and is important for the attainment of the optimum peak bone mass during late adolescence.
Authors: Alexander Eisenmann; Anton Amann; Michael Said; Bettina Datta; Maximilian Ledochowski Journal: J Breath Res Date: 2008-07-24 Impact factor: 3.262