IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITIONAL GUIDANCE FOR ADULTS WITH ACQUIRED LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

Abstract

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body is not able to digest lactose, a sugar present in dairy products. This process is the result of the deficiency or absence of a disaccharidase enzyme called lactase that hydrolyzes lactose into glucose and galactose, allowing absorption. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the importance of nutritional guidance in adult patients with acquired lactose intolerance. The methodology used was based on the literature review in which scientific articles related to the referred theme/problem were selected, which are searched in the Google Scholar database, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), National Library of Medicine (PUBMED). After the research process, seven articles were selected that addressed the theme. Through the grounded articles, it was possible to analyze the importance of the nutritionist with regard to the elaboration of dietary strategies for these patients. It was possible to identify possible strategies such as the use of the enzyme lactase, consumption of some foods with an adequate source of calcium in order to avoid its deficiency, in addition to the supplementation of this mineral, the use of whey protein as a nutritional complement and the use of probiotics for these patients.