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©2007 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Nov 21, 2007; 13(43): 5687-5691
Published online Nov 21, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i43.5687
Published online Nov 21, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i43.5687
Carbohydrate malabsorption in patients with non-specific abdominal complaints
Peter Born, Department of Internal Medicine, Tirschenreuth District Hospital, Tirschenreuth 95643, Germany
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Professor Peter Born, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Tirschenreuth District Hospital, St. Peter-Strasse 31, Tirschenreuth 95643, Germany. peter.born@krankenhaus-tirschenreuth.de
Telephone: +49-9631-875204
Received: July 12, 2007
Revised: August 31, 2007
Accepted: October 1, 2007
Published online: November 21, 2007
Revised: August 31, 2007
Accepted: October 1, 2007
Published online: November 21, 2007
Abstract
Non-specific abdominal complaints are a considerable problem worldwide. Many patients are affected and many differential diagnoses have to be considered. Among these, carbohydrate malabsorption seems to play an important role. However, so far, only incomplete absorption of lactose is broadly accepted, while the malabsorption of fructose and sorbitol is still underestimated, although in many parts of the world it is much more frequent. Despite the success of dietary interventions in many patients, there are still a lot of unanswered questions that make further investigations necessary.
Keywords: Non-specific abdominal disorders; Carbohydrate malabsorption; Fructose; Sorbitol; Lactose; Dietary intervention