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Lactose is the sugar in milk. It is found in dairy products and foods containing milk ingredients. People with lactose intolerance do not have enough of the digestive enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose. They may experience abdominal pain, nausea, cramping, loose stools, gas and bloating after eating foods containing lactose. Symptoms begin about 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose.
| Foods Containing Lactose |
| Milk |
Buttermilk |
Acidophilous milk |
Cream |
| Cheese |
Cottage cheese |
Cream cheese |
Ice cream |
| Sour cream |
Ice milk |
Yogurt |
Sherbet |
- People differ in the amount of lactose they can eat without having symptoms. Small amounts of milk and milk products (less than 1/2 cup) eaten with other foods at meals and snacks may be tolerated. Yogurt (with live cultures) or cheese may also be tolerated.
- There are lactose-free milks, such as Lactaid© or Dairy Ease©, which can be substituted for regular milk.
- There is also an enzyme replacement pill (Lactaid© or Dairy Ease©) that can be taken when lactose-containing foods are eaten.
| Foods Which May Have Hidden Lactose |
| Baked goods, such as bread, cookies, cakes, pancakes, waffles |
Candy |
| Hot dogs, bologna, cold cuts and other lunch meats |
Salad dressing |
| Beverage or chocolate drink mixes |
Cream soups |
| Sauces and gravies |
Frostings |
| Processed breakfast cereals |
Margarine |
| Instant potatoes |
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| Ingredients on Food Labels That Mean Lactose is Present |
| Milk, milk solids |
Skim or non-fat dry milk powder |
Milk by-products |
| Cream |
Buttermilk |
Malted milk |
| Whey |
Butter |
Lactose |
| Curds |
Margarine |
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- Some individuals may need to avoid all lactose-containing foods. All food labels will need to be checked carefully to make sure they do not contain milk or lactose.
- If milk and milk products are not used, enough calcium intake from other foods or supplements needs to be provided.
For more information see: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/lactoseintolerance
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