Treatment:

Removing milk products from the diet usually improves the symptoms. However, not having milk in the diet can lead to a shortage of calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin, and protein. Add other sources of calcium to the diet if you remove milk products.

Most people with low lactase levels can tolerate 2 - 4 ounces of milk at one time (up to one-half cup). Larger (8 oz.) servings may cause problems for people with some amount of milk intolerance.

These milk products may be easier to digest:

• Buttermilk and cheeses (they have less lactose than milk)
• Fermented milk products, such as yogurt
• Goat's milk (but drink it with meals, and make sure it is supplemented with essential amino acids and vitamins if you give it to children)
• Ice cream, milkshakes, and aged or hard cheeses
• Lactose-free milk and milk products
• Lactase-treated cow's milk for older children and adults
• Soy formulas for infants younger than 2 years
• Soy or rice milk for toddlers

You can add lactase enzymes to regular milk or take them in capsule or chewable tablet form.

You may need to find new ways to get calcium into your diet (you need 1,200 - 1,500 mg of calcium each day):

• Take calcium supplements
• Eat foods that have more calcium (leafy greens, oysters, sardines, canned salmon, shrimp, and broccoli)
• Drink orange juice that contains added calcium

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:

Call your health care provider if:

• You or your child has symptoms of lactose intolerance and you need information on food substitutes.
• Your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment, or you develop new symptoms.