What is the most common disorder of carbohydrate absorption?

Lactose intolerance is indeed the most common disorder of carbohydrate absorption. This condition occurs due to a deficiency of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, which is the sugar found in milk and dairy products. When lactase levels are insufficient, lactose cannot be adequately digested and absorbed in the small intestine. This results in symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consuming lactose-containing foods.

Lactose intolerance is particularly widespread across various populations, especially in adults. In contrast, other carbohydrate absorption disorders are less common. Fructose intolerance, for example, is often a rarer genetic condition, while sucrose intolerance, also known as congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, is less frequently encountered in the general population. Maltose malabsorption is also not as prevalent as lactose intolerance. Therefore, lactose intolerance stands out as the most significant and commonly reported disorder affecting carbohydrate absorption.