Metabolic and Diagnostic Perspectives on Secondary Lactose Intolerance in Infants Through Fecal Lactose Measurement and Gut Microbiome Analysis - Report - MDSpire

Metabolic and Diagnostic Perspectives on Secondary Lactose Intolerance in Infants Through Fecal Lactose Measurement and Gut Microbiome Analysis

  • By

  • Jian Kuang

  • Mengmei Zhang

  • Xiangyu Bian

  • Xin Wang

  • Xiaoqiong Li

  • Qingbin Wu

  • Jinjun Li

  • April 21, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Metabolic and Diagnostic Perspectives on Secondary Lactose Intolerance

Overview

This study investigates the gut microbiome and metabolic dysfunction in infants with secondary lactose intolerance (SLI), highlighting the potential of residual fecal lactose as a non-invasive diagnostic indicator. Findings indicate significant alterations in microbial composition and fermentation processes in affected infants.

Background

Secondary lactose intolerance is prevalent in infants, particularly in regions like China, often resulting from mucosal damage. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management, yet current methods lack sensitivity and specificity. Understanding the metabolic and microbial changes associated with SLI can enhance diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies.

Data Highlights

ParameterSLI InfantsNormal Infants
Residual Fecal LactoseHigherLower
Fecal Lactate LevelsHigherLower
Fecal SCFA AvailabilityReducedNormal

Key Findings

  • SLI infants showed significantly higher residual fecal lactose and lactate levels.
  • Fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) availability was reduced in SLI infants.
  • Microbiota profiling revealed depletion of Bacteroidetes and certain Firmicutes in SLI infants.
  • In vitro fermentation assays indicated reduced total acid, acetate, and propionate production in SLI samples.
  • Microbial β-diversity analysis confirmed structural dysbiosis in SLI infants.

Clinical Implications

Residual fecal lactose may serve as a useful non-invasive marker for diagnosing secondary lactose intolerance in infants. Clinicians should consider integrating microbial and metabolic assessments into diagnostic protocols to improve management strategies for affected infants.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of understanding gut microbiome alterations in secondary lactose intolerance, suggesting that residual fecal lactose could enhance diagnostic accuracy. Future research should focus on validating these findings and exploring therapeutic interventions.

References

  1. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2023 -- Changes in Fecal Microbiota and Volatile Metabolome Patterns May Indicate Late-Onset Meningitis in Preterm Infants
  2. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2023 -- The Role of Gut Microbiota and Butyrate in Distinguishing Clostridioides difficile Colonization from Infection in Pediatric Patients
  3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Metabolomics: An Emerging Approach for Addressing Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Obesity
  4. Infection, 2023 -- Disturbances in the Microbiome-Immunity Relationship Observed in Infants Under 90 Days with Late-Onset Sepsis
  5. GUIDELINES ON THE APPROPRIATE USE AND PRESCRIBING OF SPECIALIST INFANT MILK, 2025
  6. Efficacy of Lactose-Free Milk in Treating Acute Gastroenteritis in Vietnamese Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial - PMC, 2023
  7. Human Milk and Infant Gut Microbiome in Association With Infant Fecal Metabolome and Child Blood Pressure | Pediatrics | JAMA Network Open, 2023
  8. GUIDELINES ON THE APPROPRIATE USE AND PRESCRIBING OF SPECIALIST INFANT MILK
  9. Efficacy of Lactose-Free Milk in Treating Acute Gastroenteritis in Vietnamese Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial - PMC
  10. Human Milk and Infant Gut Microbiome in Association With Infant Fecal Metabolome and Child Blood Pressure | Pediatrics | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network

Original Source(s)

Metabolic and Diagnostic Perspectives on Secondary Lactose Intolerance in Infants Through Fecal Lactose Measurement and Gut Microbiome Analysis

  • by Jian Kuang, Mengmei Zhang, Xiangyu Bian, Xin Wang, Xiaoqiong Li, Qingbin Wu, Jinjun Li

  • April 21, 2026

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