Lactose intolerance: dairy-free diet unnecessary
12 March 2010
People concerned about lactose intolerance run the risk of poor bone health if they unnecessarily exclude all dairy foods from their diet, experts warn.
A new US National Institutes of Health (NIH) draft consensus statement advises that individuals with lactose malabsorption can consume about 12 grams of lactose (equivalent to a cup of milk) with little effect.
“Even in persons with lactose intolerance, small amounts of milk, yoghurt, hard cheeses, and reduced-lactose foods may be effective approaches,” it said.
The document was drawn up after experts expressed concern that people were self-diagnosing lactose intolerance, misunderstanding the difference between lactose malabsorption and intolerance, and eliminating nutrient-rich foods from their diet.
This was particularly concerning in children of parents with lactose intolerance who simply removed dairy from the diet of their offspring without seeking medical advice.
The true prevalence of lactose intolerance was unknown but there was concern that dairy avoidance could impact on life-long bone health, they warned.
Sydney gastroenterologist Dr Katie Ellard said it was common practice to emphasise to lactose intolerant individuals the need for sufficient calcium and to suggest a supplement.
“But I always stress to people that they can have some dairy [products], she said. “They can have hard yellow cheese, such as cheddar, and they can try yoghurt which has been in the fridge for a week (while still being within the use-by date) because it loses lactose when it's stored.”
Chief foods to reduce include milk, ice-cream and white cheeses, but lactose-free or lactose-reduced products are available.
Last Reviewed: 12 March 2010
- 1. National Institutes of Health. NIH Consensus Development Conference. Lactose intolerance and health, Feb 22-24, 2010, Bethesda, Maryland. Available at: http://consensus.nih.gov/2010/lactosestatement.htm
