Lactose intolerance in Surinam

ABSTRACT

Complaints which may be due to lactose intolerance are common in Surinam. A preliminary investigation was carried out, after oral loading with lactose, for the increase of glucose blood levels in several population groups. This was minimal in Bushnegroes 3 mg/100 ml. Among urban Creoles the average maximum increase was 14 mg. In Creole and East-indian children, having some milk, it was 16 and 12 mg/100 ml respectively. In a control group of Dutch soldiers the average maximum was 33 mg. These observations tally with reports from several tropical regions. They suggest a measure of caution in administering milk to non-adapted children.(AU)