Lactose is a type of carbohydrate found in milk and milk products. It is sometimes referred to as milk-sugar. Lactose is broken down in the small intestines by the enzyme lactase.
If you are lactose intolerant, your body is unable to digest large amounts of lactose. Consuming lactose may result in symptoms such as gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea . Reducing the amount of lactose in your diet will prevent or reduce these symptoms.
Lactose intolerance usually occurs when there is a shortage of the lactase enzyme. It can also occur with diseases or injuries that affect the small intestines.
The goal of this diet is to reduce any lactose-induced symptoms to a point where they are not bothersome. The amount of lactose that is tolerated will vary from person to person. You may find it helpful to keep a log of the foods that you eat and any symptoms that you have.
Lactose is found in all dairy products. Some products contain more lactose than others. This carbohydrate can also be an ingredient in other types of food. To determine whether a food contains lactose, look for the following key words on the ingredient list:
The following foods generally contain no lactose:
The following foods contain only small amounts of lactose (2 grams or less per serving) and can often be tolerated in small amounts:
Before cutting dairy products out completely, try cutting back. Milk is usually better tolerated in small amounts (4 ounces or less at a time) and when consumed with food. Cultured dairy products, such as yogurt and kefir, are often well-tolerated because they contain bacteria that help break down the lactose. Aged cheeses, such as cheddar and Swiss, which contain very low amounts of lactose, are also usually well-tolerated.
Alternatives to regular milk include lactose-reduced and lactose-free milk (eg, Lactaid). Lactase enzyme tablets can also be added to milk to reduce the lactose content. Non-dairy alternatives include soy milk and rice milk.
Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium . Milk is also fortified with vitamin D , which is necessary for your body to use calcium. If you cut back on or eliminate these products, be sure you are getting these nutrients elsewhere. Good sources of calcium include fortified orange juice, fortified breakfast cereals, fish canned with bones, and tofu. Good sources of vitamin D include salmon, mackerel, egg yolks, and sunlight.
RESOURCES:
American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org/
American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canada's Food Guide
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
Dietitians of Canada
http://www.dietitians.ca/
References:
Duyff RL. American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide. 3rd ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons; 2006.
General guidelines for managing lactose intolerance. University of Virginia Health System website. Available at: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/digestive-health/nutrition/lactosediet.cfm. Accessed April 9, 2007.
Lactose intolerance. American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=854. Accessed January 3, 2010.
Lactose intolerance. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/lactoseintolerance/. Accessed January 3, 2010.
Nutrition care manual. American Dietetic Association website. Available at: http://nutritioncaremanual.org/auth.cfm?p=%2Findex.cfm%3F. Accessed January 3, 2009.
Last reviewed January 2010 by Maria Adams, MS, MPH, RD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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