Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the major sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance is caused by a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells that line the small intestine.
Even though lactose intolerance is a common digestive disorder, it is not a threat to good health. People who have trouble digesting lactose can learn which dairy products and other foods they can eat without discomfort and which ones they should avoid. Many people can enjoy milk, ice cream, and other such products if they eat them in small amounts or eat other food at the same time. Others can use lactase liquid or tablets to help digest the lactose.
Older women at risk for osteoporosis and growing children who must avoid milk and foods made with milk can meet most of their dietary needs by eating greens, fish, and other calcium-rich foods that are free of lactose. A carefully chosen diet, with calcium supplements if the doctor or dietitian recommends them, is the key to reducing symptoms.
Sources:
1. Digestive Diseases Dictionary L-P. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 00–2750Februrary 2000
2. Lactose Intolerance. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 06–2751: March 2006
3. Ibid.
Page Last Revised: May 21, 2012
Even though lactose intolerance is a common digestive disorder, it is not a threat to good health. People who have trouble digesting lactose can learn which dairy products and other foods they can eat without discomfort and which ones they should avoid. Many people can enjoy milk, ice cream, and other such products if they eat them in small amounts or eat other food at the same time. Others can use lactase liquid or tablets to help digest the lactose.
Older women at risk for osteoporosis and growing children who must avoid milk and foods made with milk can meet most of their dietary needs by eating greens, fish, and other calcium-rich foods that are free of lactose. A carefully chosen diet, with calcium supplements if the doctor or dietitian recommends them, is the key to reducing symptoms.
Sources:
1. Digestive Diseases Dictionary L-P. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 00–2750Februrary 2000
2. Lactose Intolerance. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 06–2751: March 2006
3. Ibid.
Page Last Revised: May 21, 2012
