Virtual Medical Centre

Nutrition and Lactose Intolerance

• Introduction to nutrition and lactose intolerance
• What is lactose intolerance?
• What is the link between calcium and lactose intolerance?

Introduction to nutrition and lactose intolerance 

Lactose intolerance is a common condition, causing abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhoea in affected patients. Nutrition in lactose intolerance is important, because many lactose intolerance patients control their symptoms by avoiding foods which contain lactose, especially dairy products. Unfortunately, this may put them at risk of calcium deficiency. Strategies which may help lactose intolerant patients consume adequate calcium in their diet are discussed below. 

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a condition where the gut is unable to break down a type of sugar called 'lactose', commonly found in milk and other dairy products. The problem is due to a lack of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose in the intestines and allows it to be absorbed into the body. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, abdominal pain or diarrhoea.

Lactose intolerance may be present from birth, develop later in life, or be the result of another gastrointestinal disease such as coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease. In most cases it develops with age, and true lactose intolerance is rare in infants and children. There is no specific treatment for lactose intolerance, but people who are affected can often control their symptoms by avoiding foods high in lactose.

What is the link between calcium and lactose intolerance?

People who are lactose intolerant may have difficulty tolerating dairy products, as dairy foods can contain high levels of lactose. However, dairy products are also the major source of calcium in most people's diets - on average, as much as 70% of daily calcium consumption comes from milk and other dairy products. This means that when lactose intolerant people avoid dairy products, they may not be consuming enough calcium to meet their requirements.

The consequences of inadequate calcium intake mainly relate to bone health. Calcium is a major component of bone, helping to strengthen it and prevent fracture. People who do not consume enough calcium are at risk of developing osteoporosis (brittle bones) and of fracture.