Do probiotics reduce adult lactose intolerance? A systematic review

In conclusion, probiotic supplementation in general was not effective at reducing lactose intolerance of adults. Some evidence suggests that certain strains, concentrations, and preparations are effective. Clinicians could discuss probiotic supplementation with patients as an alternative treatment. There were enough positive treatment arms to suggest there may be individuals who respond to probiotics. Further studies are needed to determine specific probiotic relationships. The best studies would be those using crossover randomized double-blind design of selected probiotic strains and concentrations and objectively measuring breath hydrogen and symptoms with a long enough wash-out period to eliminate the chance of gut colonization.

Acknowledgments

Material in this article has been previously presented at the following: “Probiotic Supplementation as Treatment for Lactose Intolerance: a Systematic Review,” Fellows works-in-progress poster presentation at the STFM 36th Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA, September 2003, Kara M. Levri, Kari Ketvertis, Mark Deramo, Joel H. Merenstein, Frank D’Amico; “Probiotic Supplementation as Treatment for Lactose Intolerance: A Systematic Review,” Grand Professor Rounds, UPMC St. Margaret, Pittsburgh, Pa, June 2003, Kara M. Levri, Kari Ketvertis, Mark Deramo; “Probiotic Supplementation as Treatment for Lactose Intolerance: a Systematic Review,” Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians Research Day, Philadelphia, Pa, April 2003, Kara M. Levri.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Kara M. Levri, MD, MPH, UPMC St. Margaret, 3937 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. E-mail: kl55882@aol.com.