Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Digestive system organs

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Lactose intolerance

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 eliminated. Text Continues Below 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 eliminated from the diet. Complications: Weight loss and malnutrition are complications. Calling your health care provider: If you or your child has symptoms of lactose intolerance, consult with your physician regarding dietary substitutions. Also call if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.