Author(s)

Han Liu

Corresponding Author

Han Liu

ABSTRACT

Globally, the prevalence rate of lactose intolerance is over 60%. Lactose intolerance is caused by the deficiency of the intestinal enzyme lactase, which is responsible for lactose digestion. Subsequently leading to the colonic fermentation of undigested lactose, resulting in clinical symptoms of lactose intolerance including diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, flatulence, and so on. The supplementation of probiotics shows beneficial effects in alleviating these symptoms by modulating the composition of intestinal microbiota. Extensive preclinical studies have indicated promising therapeutic effects of probiotics for lactose intolerance management. In this article, lactose metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract is first introduced and the causes of lactose intolerance are explained. It focuses on the beneficial effects of probiotics in the treatment of lactose intolerance and the mechanisms by which probiotics are used to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms. Finally, commonly used probiotic species or strains and fermented foods containing probiotics are discussed. Through this article, the understanding of the treatment of lactose intolerance is further deepened, in order to help clinicians and others to make better clinical decisions.

KEYWORDS

Probiotics, Lactose Intolerance, Colonic Microbiota, Lactase