Idaho Dairy Council

Health Professionals - Lactose Intolerance

New!! The Lowdown on Lactose Intolerance
The facts about lactose intolerance may surprise you. For starters, it’s not as widespread as many people think. For more information and a downloadable handout for your patients, click here.

Lactose intolerance does not equal dairy intolerance with a few simple steps people who are sensitive to lactose can enjoy dairy foods.

Cow's Milk Allergy Versus Lactose Intolerance

Consumption of cow's milk and milk products is associated with overall diet quality and adequacy of intake of many essential nutrients including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D (if fortified), and B12, riboflavin, and niacin. Unfortunately, some individuals may avoid milk and milk products unnecessarily because of adverse reactions to these foods. More…

Tips for Keeping Dairy in Your Diet
  • Drink milk with meals or a snack, instead of on an empty stomach.
  • Consume NO more than an 8 oz. serving, which equals 1 cup of yogurt or milk at a time. Spread your 3-A-Day throughout the day.
  • Aged cheeses like Cheddar and Swiss are naturally low in lactose.
  • Introduce dairy to your diet slowly. Start with small portions and gradually work up to three servings a day.
  • Raise your glass to lactose-reduced or lactose-free milk.
  • Yogurt is good. Cultured dairy foods like yogurt contain friendly bacteria that help digest lactose.
Lactose Maldigestion

The incidence of lactose intolerance may be inflated due to the lack of proper medical diagnosis and confusion about the condition. More…