Recent advances in the management of lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a concern for the majority of the world's population. Persons who experience symptoms following the consumption of milk should consult with their physician. Symptoms may be eliminated or reduced with good dietary management that includes: 1. limiting milk consumption to one glass at a time; 2. drinking milk with other foods rather than alone; 3. eating yogurts instead of fluid milk; 4. using enzyme tablets to predigest the lactose in milk or to supplement the body's own lactase; 5. possibly eating small amounts of dairy foods each day to adapt the colonic bacteria. For an additional review of the research findings on lactose intolerance and milk drinking, the reader is directed to reference 4, a very recent and complete review by Scrimshaw and Murray. For information on dietary management of lactose intolerance suitable for the consumer, contact your local affiliate of the National Dairy Council.