Lactose Intolerance is a condition that leaves the body unable to break down lactose, a natural sugar that is found in milk.
Symptoms can include nausea, cramping and upset stomach.
Foods that contain lactose include dairy products, such as cream, cheese, and yogurt; biscuits and chocolate; some breakfast cereals.
As well as being a good source of energy, lactose helps the body to absorb a number of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium.
Lactose intolerance cannot be prevented. However, the condition’s symptoms can be reduced by avoiding certain foods that contain lactose.
For more severe lactose intolerance, it is possible to take a lactase substitute to help digestion.
Diagnosis is confirmed by a hydrogen breath test or a lactose tolerance test blood test. This is performed in hospital gastroenterology departments.
The condition can usually be controlled by monitoring your diet.
Missing out on the nutrients provided by products that contain lactose can lead to deficiencies in calcium, plus other important minerals.
Depending on how mild or severe your lactose intolerance is, you may need to change the amount of milk in your diet.
For example, you may be able to have milk in your tea or coffee, but not on your cereal.
If even a small amount of milk triggers your symptoms, there are some alternatives that you can try, such as soya milk. You can now also buy milk that is made from rice, oats, potatoes and even peas.
Some dairy products may be easier to digest than others. Cheese, for example, usually contains less lactose than milk. In particular, fermented dairy products, such as yogurts, are often easier to digest.
Lactase substitutes are available in liquid form. These can be taken before a meal or added to milk.
You can also take lactase pills (lactase enzyme capsules) before a meal.
If you are unable to eat dairy products, you may not be getting enough calcium. You can stock up on calcium by eating foods such as broccoli, cabbage, dried fruit, soya drinks with added calcium, soya beans, tofu, nuts and fish containing edible bones (sardines, salmon, and pilchards).
Lactose intolerance does not always involve complete avoidance of dairy foods. There are variousforms. Some forms can be transient. If you have lactose intolerance, make sure you take thenecessary steps to ensure you are getting adequate calcium in your diet. If you are concerned about your calcium intake or want further information on lactose intolerance, please contact yourDietitian or GP.