PREVALENCE OF PRIMARY ADULT LACTOSE-MALABSORPTION IN THE EASTERN PROVINCE OF SAUDI-ARABIA

Although it has been reported that adult lactose malabsorption (ALM) is relatively common among Arabs, data on the prevalence of ALM in the Saudi and Yemeni populations are scant. We have determined the prevalence of ALM in 130 healthy Saudis and 17 Yemenis of both sexes, using the lactose breath hydrogen test. The overall prevalence in the Saudis was 51% and that for the Yemenis, 47%. The prevalence in 21 Saudi Bedouins was 19% compared to 57% in the 109 non-Bedouin Saudis (P < 0.001). Lactose malabsorbers tended to consume less milk in their daily than did absorbers. Milk intolerance was reported in 33% of the lactose malasorbers. Following lactose ingestion, 82% of those with ALM had symptoms suggestive of lactose intolerance. The moderately high prevalence of ALM, especially among the non-Bedouin Saudis, should be considered when planning nutritional programs as well as the management of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.