Lactose intolerance and self-reported milk intolerance: relationship with lactose maldigestion and nutrient intake. Lactase Deficiency Study Group.

Background: The relationship between lactose-maldigestion, self-reported milk intolerance and gastrointestinal symptoms has not been clearly defined.

Objectives: To evaluate: a) the prevalence of lactose maldigestion and lactose intolerance in a sample of the general population taken from a rural center; b) the frequency of self-reported milk-intolerance and its correlation with lactose-maldigestion; c) the influence of lactose maldigestion, lactose intolerance and self-reported milk intolerance on dietary habits and consumption of total calories, protein, and calcium.

Subjects: We studied a randomized sample of the general population in a small center in Sicily.