ERQ_2-7

Page 1: Carbohydrates and Lactose Intolerance

Lactose Intolerance and Ethnicity

  • Key Individuals:

    • Emma: French

    • Ying: Chinese

    • Kingasunye: Kenyan exchange student

  • Lactose Intolerance Likelihood:

    • Countries with higher lactose intolerance include African and Asian ethnicities, suggesting Kingasunye (Kenyan) may be most likely lactose intolerant.

    • Estimates suggest that many individuals in these regions stop producing lactase in early childhood (between ages 2-5).

    • Emma (French) is likely lactose tolerant, as many Western European populations continue lactase production into adulthood.

Path of Digestion for Lactose-Intolerant Individuals

  • Ying (Chinese) Drinks Milk:

    • Milk enters stomach; lactose is not fully digested due to lack of lactase.

    • Lactose ferments in the gut leading to gastrointestinal distress (bloating, diarrhea).

  • Kingasunye (Kenyan) Drinks Milk:

    • Similar pathway; lactose intolerance leads to fermentation and digestive issues.

  • Ways to Deal with Lactose Intolerance:

    • Lactose-free milk products, lactase enzyme supplements, alternative calcium sources (e.g., leafy greens).

Relevance to Osteoporosis

  • Health Issue Link:

    • Osteoporosis risk increased if individuals cannot sufficiently digest lactose, potentially leading to lower calcium intake.

Glucose Monomers

  • Linked Glucose Examples:

    • Hundreds/thousands of linked glucose monomers can result in:

      • Glycogen (animal storage)

      • Starch (plant storage)

      • Cellulose (plant structure)

Small Sugars Functions

  • Functions of Small Sugars:

    • Serve as immediate energy sources.

    • Act as building blocks for larger carbohydrates.

Carbohydrate Equations

  • Complete the following:a. Galactose + Glucose = Lactoseb. Glucose + Fructose = Sucrosec. Glucose + Glucose = Maltose

Polysaccharide Structure and Function Chart

  • Polysaccharides:

    Type

    Plants

    Animals

    Storage

    Starch

    Glycogen

    Structure

    Cellulose

    Chitin

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

  • Prevalence in Foods:

    • HFCS is widely used due to its sweetness and cost-effectiveness compared to natural sugars.