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Nutrition in Patients with Lactose Malabsorption, Celiac Disease, and Related Disorders

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 January 2022) | Viewed by 33283

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Gastroenterology Unit, Brotzu Hospital, Piazza Ricchi 1, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
Interests: celiac disease and alimentary intolerances; irritable bowel syndrome; chronic constipation; gut motor disorders; gastric emptying and functional dyspepsia
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Lactose malabsorption (LM) is caused by the incomplete hydrolysis of lactose due to lactase deficiency, which may occur as a primary disorder or secondary to other intestinal diseases. LM is a well-known cause of abdominal symptoms, although only some lactose malabsorbers are also lactose-intolerant. A lactose-restricted diet is frequently prescribed, although it can potentially provoke serious nutritional disadvantages. In addition, lactose is considered a fundamental component of fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) and is consequently related to the intolerance to these compounds. LM and celiac disease (CD) can be mutually associated. Nutritional deficiencies are common in CD and can persist despite a gluten-free diet (GFD). A GFD is the only effective and safe treatment of CD and gluten-related disorders, although optimal adherence to GFD is not always easy to achieve. The nutritional aspects of these disorders are an exciting and challenging research topic for scientists.

Dr. Usai-Satta Paolo
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Lactose malabsorption and intolerance
  • Celiac disease
  • Gluten-related disorders
  • FODMAP
  • Nutrition
  • Diet adherence

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 171 KiB  
Editorial
New Perspectives on Lactose Malabsorption, Celiac Disease and Related Disorders
by Paolo Usai-Satta and Mariantonia Lai
Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2512; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112512 - 29 May 2023
Viewed by 1071
Abstract
Lactose malabsorption (LM) is caused by the incomplete hydrolysis of lactose due to lactase deficiency [...] Full article

Research

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7 pages, 247 KiB  
Communication
Lactose Malabsorption and Presumed Related Disorders: A Review of Current Evidence
by Paolo Usai-Satta, Mariantonia Lai and Francesco Oppia
Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030584 - 28 Jan 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3778
Abstract
Background. Lactose malabsorption (LM) is a frequent clinical problem associated with several digestive and extra-digestive diseases. The aim of this manuscript was to clarify the real clinical impact of LM on these disorders. Methods. A literature search for digestive and extra-digestive disorders related [...] Read more.
Background. Lactose malabsorption (LM) is a frequent clinical problem associated with several digestive and extra-digestive diseases. The aim of this manuscript was to clarify the real clinical impact of LM on these disorders. Methods. A literature search for digestive and extra-digestive disorders related to LM was carried out using PubMed, Medline and Cochrane. Results. A transient lactase deficiency is present in celiac disease (CD) on a normal diet. The persistence of symptoms in CD on a gluten-free diet may be instead, in part, attributed to a primary LM. Similar circumstances are present in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), in which LM can be responsible for a part of persistent symptoms in IBD on clinical remission. LM and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are instead independent conditions. On the other hand, a lactose-restricted diet may be useful for some IBS patients. A reduced lactose intake can lead to low bone mass and limited risk of fragility fractures. Finally, the absorption of levothyroxine could be conditioned by LM. Conclusions. LM can be responsible for persistent symptoms in CD and IBD. The association with IBS seems to be casual. Bone mass and levothyroxine absorption can be affected by LM. Full article
18 pages, 2033 KiB  
Article
Association between Dietary Factors and Constipation in Adults Living in Luxembourg and Taking Part in the ORISCAV-LUX 2 Survey
by Maurane Rollet, Torsten Bohn, Farhad Vahid and on behalf of the ORISCAV Working Group
Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010122 - 28 Dec 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5707
Abstract
Constipation, a disorder of bowel movements, is among the most frequent gastrointestinal complaints in Western countries. Dietary constituents such as inadequate fiber intake have been related to constipation, but discrepancies exist in the findings regarding dietary factors. This study investigated the association between [...] Read more.
Constipation, a disorder of bowel movements, is among the most frequent gastrointestinal complaints in Western countries. Dietary constituents such as inadequate fiber intake have been related to constipation, but discrepancies exist in the findings regarding dietary factors. This study investigated the association between dietary patterns and bowel movements in adults living in Luxembourg. Data from 1431 participants from ORISCAV-LUX 2 (a cross-sectional survey) who completed a 174-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were analyzed. A questionnaire-based constipation score was assessed by a validated scoring system. Confounders such as physical activity and serum/urine indicators were assessed. Women had higher constipation scores than men (p < 0.001). In food group-based regression models, a negative association was found between higher constipation score and intake of grains (Beta = −0.62, 95%CI: −1.18, −0.05) and lipid-rich foods (Beta = −0.84, 95%CI: −1.55, −0.13), while a positive association was found for sugary products (Beta = 0.54, 95%CI: 0.11, 0.97) (p < 0.05). In a nutrient-based regression model, a positive association was found between constipation score and total energy (Beta = 5.24, 95%CI: 0.37, 10.11) as well as sodium intake (Beta = 2.04, 95%CI: 0.21, 3.87), and a negative one was found for total fats (Beta = −4.17, 95%CI: −7.46, −0.89) and starch (Beta = −2.91, 95%CI: −4.47, −1.36) (p < 0.05). Interestingly, neither fruits and vegetables or dietary fiber were significantly associated with constipation. Thus, grains, lipid-rich foods, total fats and starch were associated with a lower constipation score, while sugary products, sodium, and higher energy intake were correlated with higher constipation. Full article
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9 pages, 5514 KiB  
Article
Clinical Value of Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies in Celiac Patients over a Long Term Follow-Up
by Elisa Farina, Leda Roncoroni, Vincenza Lombardo, Alice Scricciolo, Maurizio Vecchi, Luisa Doneda and Luca Elli
Nutrients 2021, 13(9), 3057; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093057 - 31 Aug 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2489
Abstract
Introduction & Aim: Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTGA) titer is used during the follow-up of celiac patients to evaluate gluten-free diet (GFD) responsiveness. However, no clear data are available on this issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate tTGA significance during celiac [...] Read more.
Introduction & Aim: Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTGA) titer is used during the follow-up of celiac patients to evaluate gluten-free diet (GFD) responsiveness. However, no clear data are available on this issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate tTGA significance during celiac disease (CD) monitoring. Methods: From January 2017 to January 2020, consecutive CD patients on a GFD with persistent positive tTGA were enrolled. Antibody titres were evaluated on a yearly basis from CD diagnosis to the last follow-up. Urinary gluten detection tests, duodenal histology and capsule enteroscopy (CE) were performed. A tTGA-positive cohort was compared with a control group composed of 212 treated CD patients with negative tTGA. Results: 65 patients (12% males, median age at enrollment and CD diagnosis, 37 (14–86) and 31 (1–76), respectively, median follow up 4 (1–26) years) presented with positive tTGA during follow-up. Overall, the tTGA titres were 3 (1–79) fold increased (ULN). Three different tTGA trends were recognized: (I) 36 (55%) patients with a progressive titres decrease; (II) 16 (25%) patients with a fluctuating behavior; (III) 13 (20%) patients with a steady state or increased titres. tTGA+ patients did not present with different clinical and demographic parameters. Duodenal atrophy was present in 10% vs. 36% of the tTGA positive vs. negative group (p < 0.005), respectively. Gluten detection results were positive in 3 (8%) cases, all in the III group. In tTGA+ patients, CE did not identify any CD-related complications. Conclusions: tTGA positivity during CD follow up did not present a relevant clinical significance without association with autoimmune comorbidities and mucosal damage. Full article
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11 pages, 273 KiB  
Article
Hypocalcemia and Vitamin D Deficiency in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Lactose Intolerance
by Martyna Jasielska and Urszula Grzybowska-Chlebowczyk
Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2583; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082583 - 28 Jul 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2914
Abstract
Background: A diet restricted in dairy products can cause calcium and vitamin D deficiency and, secondarily, lead to malnutrition and low bone mass. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency in children with inflammatory bowel [...] Read more.
Background: A diet restricted in dairy products can cause calcium and vitamin D deficiency and, secondarily, lead to malnutrition and low bone mass. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency in children with inflammatory bowel diseases and lactose intolerance (LI). Material and Methods: A total of 107 patients were enrolled to the study (mean age 14.07 ± 3.58 years; 46.7% boys): 43 with Crohn’s disease (CD), 31 with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 33 with functional abdominal pain (AP-FGID). Hydrogen breath test with lactose and laboratory tests to assess the calcium-phosphate metabolism were performed in all patients. The results of densitometry were interpreted in 37 IBD patients. Results: LI was diagnosed in 23.2% patients with CD, 22.6% with UC, and 21.2% children with AP-FGID, (p = 0.9). Moreover, 9.5% patients with CD, in 21.4% with UC, and in 51.5% with AP-FGID had optimal concentration of 25(OH)D (p = 0.0002). Hypocalcemia was diagnosed in 21% of patients with CD, 16.1% with UC patients, AP-FGID patients had normal calcium levels (p = 0.02). There was no difference in concentrations of total calcium, phosphorus, and 25(OH)D between patients on low-lactose diet and normal diet (p > 0.05). BMD Z-score ≤ −1 SD was obtained by 12 CD patients (48%), and 6 with UC (50%). Conclusion: The use of a low-lactose diet in the course of lactose intolerance in children with inflammatory bowel diseases has no effect on the incidence of calcium-phosphate disorders and reduced bone mineral density. Full article
18 pages, 2072 KiB  
Article
Selection of Gut-Resistant Bacteria and Construction of Microbial Consortia for Improving Gluten Digestion under Simulated Gastrointestinal Conditions
by Maria De Angelis, Sonya Siragusa, Mirco Vacca, Raffaella Di Cagno, Fernanda Cristofori, Michael Schwarm, Stefan Pelzer, Monika Flügel, Bodo Speckmann, Ruggiero Francavilla and Marco Gobbetti
Nutrients 2021, 13(3), 992; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030992 - 19 Mar 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3337
Abstract
This work aimed to define the microbial consortia that are able to digest gluten into non-toxic and non-immunogenic peptides in the human gastrointestinal tract. Methods: 131 out of 504 tested Bacillus and lactic acid bacteria, specifically Bacillus (64), lactobacilli (63), Pediococcus (1), and [...] Read more.
This work aimed to define the microbial consortia that are able to digest gluten into non-toxic and non-immunogenic peptides in the human gastrointestinal tract. Methods: 131 out of 504 tested Bacillus and lactic acid bacteria, specifically Bacillus (64), lactobacilli (63), Pediococcus (1), and Weissella (3), showed strong gastrointestinal resistance and were selected for their PepN, PepI, PepX, PepO, and PepP activities toward synthetic substrates. Based on multivariate analysis, 24 strains were clearly distinct from the other tested strains based on having the highest enzymatic activities. As estimated by RP-HPLC and nano-ESI–MS/MS, 6 cytoplasmic extracts out of 24 selected strains showed the ability to hydrolyze immunogenic epitopes, specifically 57–68 of α9-gliadin, 62–75 of A-gliadin, 134–153 of γ-gliadin, and 57–89 (33-mer) of α2-gliadin. Live and lysed cells of selected strains were combined into different microbial consortia for hydrolyzing gluten under gastrointestinal conditions. Commercial proteolytic enzymes (Aspergillusoryzae E1, Aspergillusniger E2, Bacillussubtilis Veron HPP, and Veron PS proteases) were also added to each microbial consortium. Consortium activity was evaluated by ELISA tests, RP-HPLC-nano-ESI–MS/MS, and duodenal explants from celiac disease patients. Results: two microbial consortia (Consortium 4: Lactiplantibacillus (Lp.) plantarum DSM33363 and DSM33364, Lacticaseibacillus (Lc.) paracasei DSM33373, Bacillussubtilis DSM33298, and Bacilluspumilus DSM33301; and Consortium 16: Lp. plantarum DSM33363 and DSM33364, Lc. paracasei DSM33373, Limosilactobacillusreuteri DSM33374, Bacillusmegaterium DSM33300, B.pumilus DSM33297 and DSM33355), containing commercial enzymes, were able to hydrolyze gluten to non-toxic and non-immunogenic peptides under gastrointestinal conditions. Conclusions: the results of this study provide evidence that selected microbial consortia could potentially improve the digestion of gluten in gluten-sensitive patients by hydrolyzing the immunogenic peptides during gastrointestinal digestion. Full article
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Review

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12 pages, 539 KiB  
Review
Can Lactose Intolerance Be a Cause of Constipation? A Narrative Review
by Julia Leszkowicz, Katarzyna Plata-Nazar and Agnieszka Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz
Nutrients 2022, 14(9), 1785; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14091785 - 24 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5699
Abstract
Lactose intolerance and constipation are common in children and impact everyday life, not only for patients but also their families. Both conditions can be comorbid with other diseases or form a part of their clinical presentation, but constipation is not usually associated with [...] Read more.
Lactose intolerance and constipation are common in children and impact everyday life, not only for patients but also their families. Both conditions can be comorbid with other diseases or form a part of their clinical presentation, but constipation is not usually associated with lactose intolerance. The typical symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal pain, bloating, flatus, diarrhoea, borborygmi, and less frequently nausea and vomiting. In approximately 30% of cases, constipation can be a symptom of lactose intolerance. Constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, hard and/or large stools, painful defecation, and faecal incontinence, and is often accompanied by abdominal pain. This paper provides a narrative review on lactose intolerance, its epidemiology, pathogenesis, the correlation between lactose intolerance and constipation in children, and potential mechanisms of such association. Full article
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17 pages, 352 KiB  
Review
Nutrition in Patients with Lactose Malabsorption, Celiac Disease, and Related Disorders
by Michele J. Alkalay
Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010002 - 21 Dec 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7195
Abstract
Lactose malabsorption (LM), celiac disease (CD), non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are conditions associated with food triggers, improvement after withdrawal, treatment with dietary restriction, and subsequent nutritional detriments. LM occurs when there is incomplete hydrolysis of lactose due to [...] Read more.
Lactose malabsorption (LM), celiac disease (CD), non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are conditions associated with food triggers, improvement after withdrawal, treatment with dietary restriction, and subsequent nutritional detriments. LM occurs when there is incomplete hydrolysis of lactose due to lactase deficiency and frequently produces abdominal symptoms; therefore, it can cause lactose intolerance (LI). A lactose-restricted diet is frequently recommended, although it can potentially lead to nutrient deficiencies. Furthermore, lactose is an essential component of fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) and is subsequently associated with intolerance to these compounds, especially in IBS. LM commonly presents in CD. Nutritional deficits are common in CD and can continue even on a gluten-free diet (GFD). Conditions triggered by gluten are known as gluten-related disorders (GRDs), including CD, wheat allergy, and NCGS. IBS can also be associated with a gluten sensitivity. A GFD is the treatment for CD, GRDs, and gluten sensitive IBS, although compliance with this restricted diet can be difficult. Strict dietary therapies can have a negative effect on quality of life. This review aims to provide an overview of the difficult nutritional elements of these disorders, which are critical for medical providers to recognize when managing these patients. Full article
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