Method for increasing lactose tolerance in mammals exhibiting lactose intolerance

Abstract

The method for increasing lactose tolerance in subjects exhibiting lactose intolerance symptoms implements a protocol where the subjects ingest a gradually increasing amount of lactose containing product over a six week period. At various points during the six week period the subject ingests the lactose containing product once a day and then twice a day. The lactose containing product can be in liquid form, such as for example, milk, and is preferably in a powder form which is taken either by ingesting capsules having the lactose powder or in a granular form mixed with water or other non-lactose containing liquid. At the end of the six week period, the subject's tolerance for lactose containing products is substantially increased, with the potential of eliminating the subject's lactose intolerant behavior indefinitely.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 091,971 filed on Jul. 7, 1998.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a method for increasing lactose tolerance in individuals or mammals who exhibit lactose intolerant symptoms. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Lactose Intolerance, or otherwise referred to as lactose maldigestion, is the inability to digest a significant amount of lactose, derived from a deficiency of the lactase enzyme in the small intestines. Lactose is the natural sugar in milk and milk products of all mammals. Lactase is the enzyme which splits the milk sugar lactose into its components (i.e., glucose and galactose), and also breaks down the milk sugar into smaller forms that can be processed into the bloodstream. The lactase enzyme is necessary for mammals to digest lactose. [0004] There is an important distinction between lactose intolerance and milk allergies. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] The present invention provides a method for increasing the lactose tolerance of mammals exhibiting lactose intolerance symptoms. In accordance with the invention, a six-week protocol is employed during which a subject ingests gradually increasing amounts of a lactose-containing product. On the first and second days of the protocol, the subject also ingests a predetermined amount of a live culture bacteria containing compound, such as yogurt. Toward the end of the six-week period, the subject starts ingesting other lactose-containing products while continuing to ingest the predetermined amount of lactose containing product. By the conclusion of the six-week protocol, the subject's tolerance for lactose-containing products is significantly increased, and in some cases, the subject no longer experiences any lactose intolerance or the symptoms associated therewith.

Problems solved by technology

Lactose intolerance is the inability of the body to digest lactose containing products due to a deficiency in the lactase enzyme.

If an individual suspects that he has lactose intolerance, it is potentially harmful for him to restrict his diet since it may result in a nutrition shortage or a failure to detect a more serious disease.

For young adults and adults, symptoms include bloating, nausea, cramps, and diarrhea, while the symptoms in infants are diarrhea, dehydration, malnutrition, and potentially death.

The fermentation of the lactose in the large intestine produces hydrogen and methane which can lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

For young children, the breath test is not as accurate because they usually have a tendency to get dehydrated which can cause diarrhea.

For example, some individuals cannot have cheese, melted cheese, plain milk, or warm dairy containing products like milk in coffee, while others cannot have any dairy products at all.

Also, most lactose intolerant people are limited as to the amount of special “lactose free” foods they can eat that have been manufactured by specific companies.

The only problem with all these products is that they are not readily available everywhere.