Probióticos e intolerância à lactose: um estudo de revisão

Abstract

Introduction: Lactose intolerance is a condition characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea, and the use of probiotics has been investigated as a promising strategy to alleviate these symptoms and improve lactose digestion. Objective: To review the effect of probiotics, either as supplements or added to food, on gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with lactose intolerance. Methods: Literature review in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, using the keywords “lactose intolerance,” “probiotics,” and “food probiotics,” using the PICOS strategy for eligibility. Results: Twelve studies were included: seven on supplementation and five on the addition of probiotics to food. Supplementation showed improvement in bloating, flatulence, and lactose digestion, although with variation in intervention time, dosage, and strains. Lactobacillus acidophilus was the only species investigated in more than one study, with divergent results. The addition of probiotics to food reduced flatulence and abdominal distension. Conclusion: The use of probiotics is a potential strategy for reducing gastrointestinal symptoms in lactose intolerance, especially bloating and flatulence. Controlled clinical trials, with greater standardization of strains, doses, and intervention time, are needed to evaluate strain-dependent effects and maintenance of benefits after discontinuation of supplementation or consumption of foods with probiotics, favoring their application in the clinical practice of nutritionists.