Disaccharide intolerance iii

Disaccharide Intolerance III

Disaccharide intolerance is a condition where the body is unable to properly digest disaccharides, which are a type of carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharide molecules. This condition can lead to various gastrointestinal symptoms. Disaccharide intolerance III specifically refers to a subtype of disaccharide intolerance that involves issues with the digestion of certain disaccharides due to enzyme deficiencies or other gastrointestinal disorders.

Overview

Disaccharides are sugars composed of two monosaccharide units. Common disaccharides include sucrose, lactose, and maltose. The digestion of disaccharides requires specific enzymes that break them down into their monosaccharide components, which can then be absorbed by the small intestine.

In disaccharide intolerance III, individuals have difficulty digesting certain disaccharides due to a deficiency in the necessary digestive enzymes or due to other gastrointestinal conditions that affect enzyme activity or intestinal absorption.

Causes

Disaccharide intolerance III can be caused by:

• Enzyme Deficiencies: A lack of specific enzymes such as lactase, sucrase, or maltase can lead to intolerance. For example, lactase deficiency leads to lactose intolerance.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can impair the production or function of digestive enzymes.
• Genetic Factors: Some enzyme deficiencies are inherited, such as congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency.

Symptoms

Symptoms of disaccharide intolerance III can vary depending on the specific disaccharide involved but commonly include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Nausea

These symptoms occur because undigested disaccharides are fermented by bacteria in the colon, leading to the production of gas and other byproducts.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of disaccharide intolerance III typically involves:

• Hydrogen Breath Test: This test measures the amount of hydrogen in the breath after the ingestion of a specific disaccharide. Increased hydrogen levels indicate malabsorption.
• Stool Acidity Test: This test is often used in infants and measures the acidity of stool, which can indicate carbohydrate malabsorption.
• Biopsy and Enzyme Assays: In some cases, a biopsy of the small intestine may be performed to directly measure enzyme activity.

Treatment

Treatment for disaccharide intolerance III involves dietary modifications and may include:

• Elimination Diets: Avoiding foods that contain the problematic disaccharide.
• Enzyme Supplements: Taking enzyme supplements to aid in the digestion of specific disaccharides.
• Management of Underlying Conditions: Treating any underlying gastrointestinal disorders that may be contributing to the intolerance.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with disaccharide intolerance III varies. Some may manage their symptoms effectively with dietary changes and enzyme supplements, while others may need ongoing treatment for underlying conditions.

Also see

• Lactose intolerance
• Sucrose intolerance
• Carbohydrate malabsorption
• Celiac disease
• Crohn's disease