Lactose Intolerance 101

Millions of people have difficulty digesting dairy products and, thinking they are allergic, omit dairy from their diets. However, many of these people may be simply lactose intolerant. Rather than disregard a valuable potential source of dietary calcium, it is important to understand lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is caused by limited production of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in dairy products. There are several options to work around the problem: eat foods that are high in calcium and that have little or no lactose, such as hard cheeses; improve the balance of bacteria in the bowel using probiotics, prebiotics, and certain foods; and take a lactase supplement before a lactose-rich meal. SeacoastOnline.com, Dec. 16, 2007
2008-01-09 19:48:09