Lactose Intolerance (Holistic)
About This Condition
- Try lactase
Take over-the-counter products containing lactase enzyme when consuming foods containing lactose
- Check out calcium
Take a calcium supplement providing 500 to 1,000 mg per day regularly if you avoid dairy products
- Choose dairy products wisely
Try using reduced-lactose milk or yogurt to see if you can tolerate them
About This Condition
Lactose intolerance is the impaired ability to digest lactose (the naturally occurring sugar in milk). The enzyme lactase is needed to digest lactose, and a few children and many adults do not produce sufficient lactase to digest the milk sugar. The condition is rare in infants.
Only one-third of the population worldwide retains the ability to digest lactose into adulthood. Most adults of Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and Native American descent are lactose intolerant. In addition, half of Hispanics and about 20% of Caucasians do not produce sufficient lactase as adults.1
A simple test for lactose intolerance is to drink at least two 8-ounce glasses of milk on an empty stomach and note any gastrointestinal symptoms that develop in the next four hours. The test should then be repeated using several ounces of cheese (which does not contain much lactose). If symptoms result from milk but not cheese, then the person probably has lactose intolerance. If symptoms occur with both milk and cheese, the person may be allergic to dairy products (very rarely can lactose intolerance be so severe that even eating cheese will cause symptoms). In addition to gastrointestinal problems, one study has reported a correlation in women between lactose intolerance and a higher risk of depression and PMS.2 However, this study is only preliminary and does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
The right diet is the key to managing many diseases and to improving general quality of life. For this condition, scientific research has found benefit in the following healthy eating tips.
| Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|
| Choose dairy products wisely | Try using reduced-lactose milk or yogurt to see if you can tolerate them. Although symptoms of lactose intolerance are triggered by the lactose in some dairy products, few lactose-intolerant people need to avoid all dairy. Dairy products have varying levels of lactose, which affects how much lactase is required for proper digestion. Milk, ice cream, and yogurt contain significant amounts of lactose—although for complex reasons yogurt often does not trigger symptoms in lactose-intolerant people. In addition, lactose-reduced milk is available in some supermarkets and may be used by lactose-intolerant people. |
| Choose carbs carefully | Sucrose and some indigestible carbohydrates have been shown to produce symptoms in lactose-intolerant and milk-intolerant people, work with a nutrition-oriented doctor to experiment with different foods to see if they contribute to this condition. Many people with lactose maldigestion tolerate more lactose in experimental studies than in everyday life, in which their symptoms may result from other carbohydrates as well. Sucrose and the indigestible carbohydrates lactulose and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) have all been shown to produce symptoms in lactose-intolerant and milk-intolerant people. |
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
| Supplement | Why |
|---|---|
3 Stars Calcium 500 to 1,200 mg daily depending on age and other calcium sources | As lactose-containing foods are among the best dietary sources of calcium, lactose-intolerant people may want to use calcium supplements as an alternative source. Caution: Calcium supplements should be avoided by prostate cancer patients. Researchers have yet to clearly determine whether lactose-intolerant people absorb less calcium. As lactose-containing foods are among the best dietary sources of calcium, alternative sources of calcium (from beverages, foods, or supplements) are important for lactose-intolerant people. A typical amount of supplemental calcium is 1,000 mg per day. |
3 Stars Lactase 6,000 to 9,000 IU tablets chewed with a lactose-containing meal or add 1,000 IU in liquid form to 8 ounces of milk | Lactase drops, capsules, and tablets may be used to prevent symptoms of lactose intolerance when consuming lactose-containing dairy products. Supplemental sources of the enzyme lactase may be used to prevent symptoms of lactose intolerance when consuming lactose-containing dairy products. Lactase drops may be added to regular milk 24 hours before drinking to reduce lactose levels. Lactase drops, capsules, and tablets may also be taken orally, as needed, immediately before a meal that includes lactose-containing dairy products. The degree of lactose intolerance varies by individual, so a greater or lesser amount of oral lactase may be needed to eliminate symptoms of lactose intolerance. |
3 Stars Lactase (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) 6,000 to 9,000 IU tablets chewed with a meal containing lactose, or add 1,000 IU in liquid form to 8 ounces of milk | Lactase enzymes taken prior to consuming milk or dairy products may help ease IBS symptoms. Double-blind research has shown that avoidance of lactose (present in milk and some other dairy products) by people with IBS who are also will relieve IBS symptoms. Alternatively, lactase enzyme may be used prior to consuming milk. Several different lactase products are commercially available and the amount needed depends on the specific preparation being used. |
3 Stars Lactase (Diarrhea) 6000-9000 IU tablets chewed with a lactose-containing meal or 1000 IU in liquid form added to 8 ounces of milk before drinking. | If you think you may suffer from lactose intolerance, supplementing with digestive enzyme–containing lactase when drinking or eating milk products may help. If is the cause of diarrhea, supplemental use of lactase prior to consuming milk or milk-containing products can be helpful.Cheese rarely has enough lactose to cause symptoms in lactose-intolerant people. Lactase products are available that can be chewed while drinking milk or added to milk directly. |
1. Gudmand-Hoyer E. The clinical significance of disaccharide maldigestion. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;59(3):735S-41S.
2. Ledochowski M, Sperner-Unterweger S, Fuchs D. Lactose malabsorption is associated with early signs of mental depression in females: a preliminary report. Dig Dis Sci 1998;43:2513-7.
Last Review: 06-05-2015
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