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Lactose IntoleranceBy: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH, Many people may believe that they have lactose intolerance, commonly known as an inability to digest milk and milk products. This may or may not be true. True lactose intolerance is different than having a sensitivity to lactose. Furthermore, lactose intolerance is not the same as a milk allergy. Lactose intolerance comes from an inability to breakdown lactose-the natural sugar found in dairy products. A milk allergy results from being allergic to the milk protein which is present even when lactose has been removed from a product. Milk allergies can be life-threatening in contrast to lactose intolerance which, while uncomfortable, is not a threat to life. Furthermore, persons with milk allergies must avoid milk (or other dairy products containing milk protein) completely. But persons with lactose intolerance can learn to eat in a way that they may increase their tolerance. If you have problems with your digestive system after eating dairy products, (like tummy rumbles, gas and bloating) you may be truly intolerant. There are several tests which your doctor can order that will help decide if lactose intolerance is the cause of your digestive problems or if there is another cause, such as an intestinal illness. If tests show that you have low levels of lactase-the enzyme which breaks down lactose- and you have symptoms, then you are considered lactose intolerance. So what do you do if you are lactose intolerant? You can manage this condition using some strategies: • Drink less milk more frequently. Try small amounts. • Drink milk with meals as this slows down digestion, making it easier for your body to digest the lactose. • Try products that are lower in lactose, such as yogurt and certain cheeses. • Experiment with a variety of dairy products. • Buy lactose-free or reduced lactose products. While there is no FDA (Food and Drug Administration) definition for these terms, manufacturers must provide information on their label that is truthful and not misleading. But beware that reduced-lactose products can vary widely in the amount of lactose that they contain. • Look for lactose in products. If the ingredients listing includes: milk, cream, butter, evaporated milk, condensed milk, dried milk, powdered milk, milk solids, margarine, cheese, whey, curds, caseinate or milk-derivative, it probably contains lactose. (Foods labeled “non-diary” may contain caseinate, which comes from milk and contains lactose.) You might find such word in foods you wouldn't expect like cake mixes, cereals, instant potatoes, salad dressings or candies. • There are dietary supplements that may aid with lactose digestion. Note that these supplements have not been formally evaluated by the FDA. Check with your doctor regarding their use. • Do not mistake raw or unpasteurized milk as lactose-free. Such products will still contain lactose. Furthermore, such products may cause other health problems from contamination with bacteria. Remember that you do need calcium in your diet to keep your bones strong. If you avoid dairy products, you may want to take a calcium supplement. For written information on this topic, district residents can call QVHD, 248-4528 or request via email, info@qvhd.org
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Quinnipiack Valley Health District |
Phone. (203) 248-4528 |
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