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Digestive system organs
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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.

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.



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.

Review Date: 12/25/2002
Reviewed By: Jonathan Fanaroff, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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