Abstract
Primary lactose intolerance is caused by a genetically programmed loss in lactase production after 5-6 years of age. Milk and dairy products are often incriminated as a cause of gastrointestinal symptoms. Recent studies show that lactase persistence in adult life correlates with higher anthropometric indexes and an altered metabolic profile. We aimed to assess whether the presence of gene polymorphisms for primary lactose intolerance has an influence on the anthropometric and metabolic profile of children. We conducted a cross-sectional study, recruiting consecutive children evaluated at the 2nd Pediatric Clinic, Timisoara from May to August 2016. We enrolled 87 children aged 6-17 years [mean age 10.64±3.51 years; 45 (51.72%) girls]. Subjects were asked to complete an analogue visual scale of symptoms. We measured weight, height, blood pressure and calculated body mass index. The metabolic profile included fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol levels. We used strip genotyping to identify gene polymorphisms for primary lactose intolerance. According to the results, our study population was grouped into lactose tolerant (n=42) and lactose intolerant (n=45) groups. No differences were found in regards to weight, height, body mass index and blood pressure between the two study groups. Glucose, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol were similar in the lactose intolerant and lactose tolerant children. The presence of gene polymorphisms for primary lactose intolerance did not influence the children's anthropometric and metabolic profile.