How is lactose intolerance treated?
Treatment for lactose intolerance begins with seeking medical care from your health care provider. To determine whether you have lactose intolerance your health care provider will ask you questions and possibly ask you to undergo diagnostic testing.
While the amount of lactase that the body produces is not modifiable, dietary changes can alter the amount of lactose consumed and how the body reacts to lactose when it is consumed. Gradual introduction of foods that contain lactose can give the body the opportunity to adapt to lactose with fewer symptoms.
For people that cannot tolerate lactose, there are many lactose-free and lactose-reduced products on the market. Yogurts and hard cheeses are milk products that possess lower levels of lactose and may be tolerated in some people with lactose intolerance. In addition, enzymes can be given (in the form of pills or liquid) prior to eating milk or milk products to help in the breakdown of lactose and reduce symptoms. Calcium supplementation may be needed to replace dietary calcium and prevent calcium deficiency from a diet that is reduced in milk and milk products.
What are the potential complications of lactose intolerance?
Most often lactose intolerance does not lead to complications. However, it can affect quality of life by limiting the foods you can eat. This may result in unintentional calcium and vitamin D deficiencies or weight loss due to limited food group choices. You can help minimize your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan your health care professional specifically designs for you. Complications of lactose intolerance include:
References:
Lactose intolerance. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/lactoseintolerance/. Accessed May 11, 2011.
Lactose intolerance. PubMed Health. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001321/. Accessed May 11, 2011.
INTRODUCTION
What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance, or “lactase deficiency,” is a condition that causes discomfort in the upper abdomen, resulting in bloating, gas and diarrhea. Lactose intolerance is the result of a deficiency in an enzyme (lactase) that breaks down the sugar known as lactose that is found in milk. Although low ...
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SYMPTOMS
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is caused by the inability to digest the sugar called lactose. This may result in a number of symptoms. The symptoms can vary in intensity among individuals....
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CAUSES
What causes lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is caused by inadequate levels of an enzyme (lactase) to break down the sugar known as lactose that is found in milk. There is some evidence that lactose intolerance may run in families....
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