Sucrose, lactose, and glucose tolerance in northern Alaskan Eskimos

Abstract

Sucrose tolerance tests were performed on several adult Eskimos who reported a history of intolerance to sweets. Six experienced severe diarrhea and a rise in capillary blood glucose of less than 20 mg/100 ml after a 50-g oral dose of sucrose. The Eskimo apparently exhibits a higher incidence of sucrose intolerance than does any other population tested. This condition may be a significant public health problem among Eskimos, whose consumption of sucrose has increased markedly in recent years. Fasted adults were given 10, 20, or 30 g of lactose orally on consecutive days and evaluated for clinical signs of lactose malabsorption. Children, aged 7 to 14 years, were given a 50-g oral dose of lactose and the increase in capillary blood glucose was measured. Clinical symptoms of lactose malabsorption were present in 65% of the adults and 55% of the children receiving 30 and 50 g of lactose, respectively. Blood glucose levels rose less than 20 mg/100 ml in 70% of the children. Despite the high incidence of lactose malabsorption indicated by these tests, 95% of the adults could consume the lactose in 1 cup of milk without adverse effects, and 96% of the children routinely consumed at least 1 cup of milk a day.