Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the sugar lactose. Lactose can be commonly found in milk and milk products, and intolerance to it occurs when one is deficient in the enzyme lactase (normally breaks down and helps digest and absorb lactose). Symptoms usually occur ~30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming milk and/ or other dairy products, and may include:
- Intestinal bloating
- Pain
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Intestinal discomfort
- Nausea
Those who are mildly sensitive can generally consume milk products in small amounts, especially fermented ones such as yogurt and cheese. For those who are more sensitive to lactose, products that contain the enzyme needed to breakdown lactose are available (e.g. lactaid) as an alternative option to milk. Dairy products are good sources of calcium and vitamin D, which help prevent the development of weak bones and osteoporosis later in life.
So if you're lactose intolerant and have been cutting out dairy from your diet, speak to your physician, dietitian, or pharmacist about alternative options and calcium and vitamin D supplements to insure that you're not missing key nutrients needed for bone health and maintenance!
Information Sources:
Provincial Health Officer's Annual Report 2005. Food, Health, and Well-Being in British Columbia
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001321/
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