Maltose - Maltose Intolerance

Maltose Intolerance

Homopolysaccharides of glucose are broken down by maltase and isomaltase to produce maltose. The lack of the Sucrase-Isomaltase enzyme, one of the four integral glycoproteins, causes sucrose and maltose intolerance called Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency. This is most prominent in infant ages but can also be found in adults in a less severe manner. Researchers have shown that this intolerance is a congenital disorder, meaning that it has been caused by a recessive autosomal mutation (mostly SI and SII). Nonetheless, depending on the type of mutation there are certain degrees of intolerance. According to this degree, physicians may decide the amount of starch the patient may have to remain healthy. This intolerance begins when infants begin to eat nutrients that contain starch, manly containing maltose. One can notice that a patient suffers from this pathology when they have “stomach cramps, bloating, excess gas production, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Upper respiratory tract and viral infections are common. These digestive problems can lead to lower than normal weight gain and growth. Possible associations are kidney stones and copper malabsorption.” Further studies have shown that certain patients with different degrees of mutation can actually improve throughout the years, reaching a maximum improvement at ages 3 to 6 months.