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Lactose intolerance

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Lactase deficiency; Milk intolerance; Disaccharidase deficiency; Dairy product intolerance

Treatment:

Removing milk products from the diet usually improves the symptoms. Other sources of calcium should be added to the diet if milk products are removed.

Fermented milk products such as yogurt can usually be tolerated. Buttermilk and cheeses have less lactose than milk. Goat's milk can sometimes be tolerated but should be consumed with meals, not alone.

Choosing lactose-free milk and milk products may be helpful. Lactase enzymes can be added to regular milk or may be taken in capsule or chewable tablet form.

Read food labels. Lactose is also found in some non-milk products -- including some beers.

Expectations (prognosis):

Symptoms usually go away when milk products are removed from the diet.

Complications:

Weight loss and malnutrition are possible complications.

Calling your health care provider:

If you or your child has symptoms of lactose intolerance, consult with your physician regarding food substitutions.

Also call if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

• Review Date: 10/13/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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