INCIDENCE OF LACTOSE INTOLERANCE AMONG THE POPULATION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Abstract

 Lactose is a carbohydrate only found in the milk of mammals and it is one of the most important components of milk. Upon consumption by humans, the enzyme ß- galactosidase (lactase) breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose with the help of water in the small intestine, but its activity decreases or disappears completely when growing up, and consumption of lactose in adulthood can cause indigestion. In this research, based on literature data, it is explained why certain group of people in the world can digest lactose regardless of age, and some others cannot. It is also explained which products can potentially replace milk and milk products. However, the primary goal of this paper is to show the prevalence of lactose intolerance among the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and which dairy products cause them the most problems. Most of the previously conducted research showed that the phenomenon of lactase persistence is genetically determined. It occurs in Europeans in whom the activity of ß- galactosidase is constantly maintained and the European population is able to digest large amounts of lactose regardless of age. On the basis of the conducted survey on the occurrence of milk lactose intolerance among different groups of people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it can be concluded that the number of people who are lactose intolerant is significantly low. The results show that more than half, i.e. 58 out of 100 subjects tolerate lactose well, while only 20 respondents do not tolerate lactose. The latter answered that among milk and dairy products milk causes them the greatest digestive and other disturbances due to the highest lactose content, while dairy products, primarily fermented milks such as kefir, ayran and yogurt, cause significantly fewer problems.