gastrointestinal disorders
Carbohydrate Intolerance
Key Points
Disaccharide deficiency (usually oflactase) can be acquired, secondary, or, rarely, congenital. Undigested disaccharides, such as lactose, create an osmotic load that causes diarrhea. Intestinal bacteria metabolize some undigested disaccharides, producing gases that cause distention and flatus. Assess carbohydrate intolerance clinically and confirm diagnosis by doing a hydrogen breath test. Dietary restriction is usually adequate treatment. 