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A new survey, commissioned by Lactofree, has identified a potential ‘quick win’ in terms of commerce with patients complaining of recurrent bouts of bloating, wind, aversion, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Three quarters of GPs (76 for cent) faced by means of such symptoms would diagnose IBS1, however it is estimated that up to 20 per cent of IBS cases may actually exist lactose intolerance.2 Furthermore, through moiety of GPs describing the condition in more general conditions as ‘dairy intolerance’, patients are at risk of missing out on the serious nutrients erect in dairy produce by unnecessarily eliminating all dairy produce from their diets (instead of converting to lactose-free dairy products in the same state as the Lactofree pass over*); thereby damaging their long season health and adding to GP workloads more distant down the note.

With only one in ten (11 per cent) GP surgeries in the UK benefitting from an in-house dietician, responsibility for diagnosis and management of food allergies and intolerances often falls to the GP. However, the symptoms of lactose intolerance can be similar to those associated through IBS, as well being of the kind what one. a reckon of other conditions such as delayed milk protein allergy. In fact, the survey revealed that 60 through cent of GPs are unable to differentiate betwixt lactose intolerance and delayed milk protein allergy, largely due to the lack of any validated tests for delayed allergies and the parallelism of symptoms.

Lactose bigotry occurs while a indefatigable has a shortage of lactase, an enzyme produced by the small interior which is responsible in spite of breaking upon the body the ground lactose, the main sugar (carbohydrate) found in milk. Undigested lactose therefore passes from unit side the gut into the large intestine where it is fermented through colonic bacteria, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms including stomach cramps and looseness of the bowels.

Two thirds of GPs also obey temporary lactose intolerance in patients, often following a perturbation to the normal function of the gut such as surgery, gastroenteritis, IBS, uncontrolled of the belly disease or cancer and its treatment.

Unlike lactose intolerance, cow’s milk protein allergy is an immune reply, usually to one or added of the proteins found in milk. Depending steady the antibodies involved it be possible to have close and at times peremptory movables (where IgE antibody is present) or account delayed gastrointestinal symptoms which can be difficult to make known from lactose bigotry.

Dr Patricia Macnair, common physician and Lactofree Advisory Board limb commented, “The results of the survey suggest that GPs could improve guidance in these cases by helping lactose narrow patients to take the humor of their condition better. Once they regard a conspicuous diagnosis of lactose intolerance, they may not have to eradicate all dairy products ever, but may good from sincerely converting to lactose-free dairy products. Now that we have lactose-free alternatives since chiefly dairy foods it’s much easier for the million through lactose intolerance to maintain their intake of calcium and other important nutrients that most of us get from dairy.”

The most common recommendation for diagnosing lactose intolerance is an elimination diet – a brace phase elimination order of exercise, endorsed by dint of. the British Dietetic Association. The first phase requires the submissive to cut to the end all products containing lactose, including dairy, from their take nourishment (even supposing lactose-free products such as Lactofree require power to still be consumed). This is followed by a epoch of by degrees reintroduction of dairy foods to help determine the level of lactose that can have existence tolerated. A simple and effective elimination congress for your patients can be raise here.

Notes

- Only a third part of GPs currently commit lactose-free dairy products, such as Lactofree dairy drinks, yogurts and cheese to lactose intolerant patient.

– It is estimated that 90 per cent of people who think they have power to’t consume dairy be able to enjoy Lactofree products and benefit from the nutritional advantages of dairy without worrying hind part before the uncomfortable side effects. Report put on evidence to support advertising claim of Lactofree. Dr Adam Fox MA(Hons), MSc, MB, BS, DCH, FRCPCH, FHEA, Dip. Allergy

1. Healthcare republic overlook of 529 UK GPs, conducted on behalf of Lactofree
2. Matthews S et al. Systemic lactose intolerance: a novel perspective of some of long date problem. Postgraduate Medical Journal 2005: 81; 167-173

Source:
Lactofree

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