How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?
How is lactose intolerance treated?
What is hidden lactose?
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the predominant sugar of milk. This inability results from a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is normally produced by the cells that line the small intestine. Lactase breaks down milk sugar into simpler forms that can then be absorbed into the
bloodstream. When there is not enough lactase to digest the amount of lactose consumed, the results, although not dangerous, may be very distressing.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include nausea, cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, which begin about 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of lactose each individual can tolerate.
The most common tests used to measure the absorption of lactose in the digestive system are the lactose tolerance test, the hydrogen breath test, and the stool acidity test. These tests are performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office. However, the diagnosis can also be made if your symptoms resolve by avoiding lactose in your diet.
For those who react to very small amounts of lactose or have trouble limiting their intake of foods that contain it, lactase enzymes are available without a prescription. The tablets are taken with the first bite of dairy food. Lactase enzyme is also available as a liquid.
Lactose is often added to prepared foods. Individuals who are severely lactose intolerant may experience symptoms with a very small amount of dietary lactose.
Some foods you might not think of containing lactose include: bread and other baked goods, processed breakfast cereals, instant potatoes, soups, and breakfast drinks, margarine, lunch meats, salad dressing, candies and other snacks, mixes for pancakes, biscuits, and cookies, and powdered meal replacement supplements. Some products labeled non-dairy such as coffee creamer and whipped toppings also contain lactose.
Also, lactose is used as the base for 20% of prescription drugs and 6% of nonprescription drugs including oral contraceptives and medications used to
reduce stomach acid and gas.
LACTOSE AND CALCIUM CONTENT
|
Food |
Calcium Content |
Lactose Content |
|
Sardines |
270 mg |
0 |
|
Salmon |
205 mg |
0 |
|
Soy Milk |
200 mg |
0 |
|
Broccoli |
90 mg |
0 |
|
Orange |
50 mg |
0 |
|
Pinto beans |
40 mg |
0 |
|
Tuna |
10 mg |
0 |
|
Lettuce greens |
10 mg |
0 |
LACTOSE AND CALCIUM CONTENT
|
Dairy Product |
Calcium Content |
Lactose Content |
|
Yogurt |
415 mg |
5 g |
|
Milk |
295 mg |
11 g |
|
Swiss |
270 mg |
1 g |
|
Ice cream |
85 mg |
6 g |
|
Cottage |
75 mg |
2-3 g |
