Conclusions
Two cases of adult lactose intolerance are reported. The absence and severe deficiency of the enzyme B-galactosidase resulting in the syndrome was confirmed by both histochemical staining and paper chromatography.
Methods to determine intestinal enzyme activity by peroral biopsy open a new avenue of investigation of absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and of patients with unexplained diarrhea.
Such cases narrow the concept of food “allergies” often loosely employed for conditions unrelated to immune phenomena.
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The author would like to express his appreciation to Dr. D. T. Janigan, Assistant Professor of Pathology, for the histochemical studies, and Mrs. Dorothy McField, M.T., Department of Pediatrics, for the paper chromatography studies done in connection with the study reported.
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Klotz, A.P. Intestinal lactase deficiency and diarrhea in adults. Digest Dis Sci 9, 345–354 (1964). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02232577
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02232577