gastrointestinal disorders
Carbohydrate Intolerance
Treatment of Carbohydrate Intolerance
Dietary restriction Carbohydrate malabsorption is readily controlled by avoiding dietary sugars that cannot be absorbed (ie, following a lactose-free diet in cases oflactasedeficiency). However, because the degree of lactose malabsorption varies greatly, many patients can ingest up to 375 mL (18 g of lactose) of milk daily without symptoms. Yogurt is usually tolerated because it contains an appreciable amount oflactaseproduced by intrinsic lactobacilli. Cheese contains lower amounts of lactose than milk and is often tolerated, depending on the amount ingested. For symptomatic patients wishing to drink milk, lactose in milk can be predigested by the addition of a commercially preparedlactase. Pretreated milk and other dairy products are available. Enzyme supplements should be an adjunct to, not a substitute for, dietary restriction. Lactose-intolerant patients must take calcium supplements (1200 to 1500 mg/day). 