The deficiency of lactase shows a significant association the higher risk of osteoporosis among postmenopausal females. Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women is a big concern as leads to significant mortality and morbidity. However, the consequences of primary lactase deficiency (PLD) in postmenopausal osteoporosis were to be studied.

Therefore, Y. Treister-Goltzman and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis and evaluated PLD is a principal risk factor for bones after menopause. The search for the analysis was done through Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed throughout July 2017.  The studies involved PLD diagnosis via H-2 breath tests or genetic testing and osteoporosis via the modern, reliable method. The quality and validity and abstraction of data were by using MOOSE guidelines. Two investigators did the comprehensive and independent review of papers. Random inclusion criteria were used to perform the meta-analysis.  

A total of five case-control studies met the criteria. The studies involving about 2223 participants and 763 PLD cases were included in the analysis. Absorbers exhibited significant higher bone density Z-scores with the mean difference of 0.20 as per meta-analysis (P = 0.000). No heterogeneity was noticed in studies. Absorbers showed significant higher Z-scores in regions like Ward's triangle, lumbar spine, radius, femoral head and femoral neck. The absorbers and non-absorbers exhibited no notable difference in BMD(g/cm²). However, the total hip site absorbers showed remarkable higher BMD(g/cm²). As compared to healthy controls, postmenopausal women reflect lesser Z-scores at most anatomic sites and therefore associated with higher mortality and morbidity.