INTRODUCTION: Adult lactose intolerance (ALI) significantly alters calcium 
intake and absorption, and thus may promote osteoporosis. ALI is a recessive 
condition with a geographical north-south gradient characterised by decreased 
levels of intestinal lactase. PCR-based genotyping of lactase (LCT) gene 
polymorphisms is a safe and easy way to diagnose ALI and may complement 
diagnostic procedures to identify individuals at risk for reduced calcium intake 
and subsequently osteoporosis due to lactose malabsorption. Therefore, we 
investigated the frequency of ALI and its influence on calcium intake, markers 
of bone metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) in a cohort of Turkish 
immigrants living in Germany.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms of the 
LCT gene, calcium intake, markers of bone metabolism and BMD in 183 Turkish 
immigrants.
RESULTS: ALI was diagnosed in 154 out of 183 (81%) probands. ALI was 
significantly associated with self-reported lactose intolerance (p < 0.001) and 
dislike for dairy products (p < 0.01). Osteopenia was diagnosed in 59 out of 183 
(32%) and osteoporosis in 15 out of 183 (8%) probands. Probands with reduced BMD 
had ALI in 86%. All probands had a decreased calcium intake [mg/week]. There was 
no significant association between ALI, calcium intake, markers of bone 
metabolism or BMD.
CONCLUSION: Turkish immigrants mostly have ALI and overall show a reduced 
calcium intake per week. However, ALI did not significantly influence calcium 
intake, markers of bone metabolism or BMD in this cohort. Therefore, ALI in 
Turkish immigrants does not seem to be a risk factor for osteoporosis.