DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2020.v08i02.001

Pages: 363-370

The aim of this study is to analyse the prevalence of lactose intolerance in healthy subjects of Andhra Pradesh a south eastern state in India. Hydrogen Breath tests are currently used to diagnose Lactose Intolerance. We have enrolled 100 healthy medial students in Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam. Fifty eight were males and Fourty two were females, age range was between 17 years to 21 years. These students were subjected to Lactose Hydrogen Breath Test (Gastrolyzer UK Bedfont Hydrogen Breath Analayser) using 25 gm lactose. The subjects are instructed to come in the fasting state and Baseline readings of three breath samples were noted and later 25 gm lactose was administered , six breath samples were recorded at 20 ,40,60,80,100 and 120 minutes. A rise of 20 ppm above baseline was taken as positive hydrogen breath test. Abdominal Symptoms like pain, discomfort, bloating and diarrhoea after lactose ingestion was also noted. Appropriate measures like overnight fasting were ensured and subjects with any ailments or antibiotics were excluded. Fourty two (42 percent) were positive, that is lactose intolerant and Fifty eight (58 percent) were negative, i.e. lactose tolerant. Twelve subjects had crampy abdominal pain and four had bloating post lactose ingestion all of them were lactose intolerant. The degree of Indo-Aryan migration and intermixing with the native population is the possible cause of this dissimilarity in prevalence.