A Importância dos probióticos no tratamento da intolerância à lactose

Abstract

Introduction: Lactose intolerance consists of the deficiency or absence of the enzyme lactase, so the individual presents difficulty in lactose digestion. When there is malabsorption of this carbohydrate, the intolerant presents signs and symptoms such as diarrhea, flatulence and abdominal pain. A considerable alternative to attenuate the signs and symptoms of patients is use of probiotics. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the importance of probiotics in the treatment of lactose intolerance. Methodology: A bibliographic study was carried out, from published articles in the SciELO database, Periódicos Capes, MEDLINE and PubMed, including publications in books of the institutional collection, using the following descriptors: lactose intolerance and probiotics. As selection criteria, articles should get highlight the use of probiotics in the treatment of lactose intolerance. Were excluded the articles that were not published between 2009 to 2019. Results and discussion: Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide benefits to the host as, hinder colonization by pathogenic bacteria and minimize the signs and symptoms of IL. The best digestion of lactose is due to the activity of the microbial lactase enzyme. The probiotics most used are bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Concluding considerations: According to the literature, the use of probiotics has been shown to be useful for relieving the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance. However, further studies are needed to better understand the relationship of probiotics with the disorder in question and to ensure the positive effects of their administrations.