Lactose Intolerance and Osteoporosis Development in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common chronic functional disorders among gastrointestinal system diseases. IBS, which has a high prevalence worldwide, negatively affects the quality of life of patients. The mechanisms that are effective in the development of IBS has not clearly been defined. However, its mechanism is thought to be multifactorial. IBS is characterized by certain symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, and indigestion. Nevertheless, these symptoms aren’t specific to IBS and can often be confused with lactose intolerance (LI) symptoms. On the other hand, the probability of having LI at the same time is quite high in IBS patients. IBS patients restrict lactose-containing foods, especially milk and dairy products, due to the thought that they trigger their symptoms, and thus calcium deficiency may occur as a result. Due to insufficient calcium intake for a long time, the risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures becomes an important problem. In line with all these factors, this review aims to examine osteoporosis that may develop due to the presence of LI in IBS patients and to make nutritional recommendations.