Digestive comfort
Genes, diet and lifestyle all affect digestive comfort.  Healthy food choices and good digestion are building blocks of good health and well-being, and are associated with digestive comfort.

By contrast, digestive discomfort is a sign that the body is out of balance and unable to acquire the full benefits of the diet. This discomfort is manifested through digestive symptoms such as flatulence (passing gas), abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, and disturbed bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea).

Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a commonly cited cause of digestive discomfort. Lactose intolerance occurs when there is not enough of the enzyme lactase to digest lactose, which is a carbohydrate found in milk and dairy products. Lactase deficiency is prevalent in about 80% of the Chinese population. Therefore, it is not unusual for some Chinese consumers to experience stomach upset when they consume measurable amounts of milk and dairy products.

Nestlé collaborations
This new three-way collaboration will provide important insights about the genetic predisposition, as well as the causes of gastric discomfort in a Chinese population.

The research scientists will assess the amount of lactose in the diet of a general Chinese population, as well as in patients reporting symptoms of digestive discomfort. Researchers will additionally compare the effects of lactose intake in people predisposed to developing Irritable Bowel Syndrome – a condition characterized by digestive symptoms similar to lactose intolerance.

Using the data, scientists will identify members of the population most susceptible to gastric discomfort caused by lactose intolerance and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Consumer benefit
This study will lead to opportunities for developing nutritional solutions that are more personalised for aiding in the digestion of lactose, and enhancing gastric comfort.

“This project will lead to important avenues for new product development to help ensure digestive comfort in Chinese consumers.”
Irène Corthésy-Theulaz, Nestlé Research Centre.

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For media enquiries: Nestlé Research
For more scientific information: Science In Action - Digestive comfort (pdf, 666 kb)