Experts Give Advice on Lactose Intolerance

Many people who think they can’t digest dairy products may be able to do so, an expert panel says. The panel was formed by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The panel looked at research done on lactose intolerance. Lactose is a sugar found in milk. People who are lactose intolerant don’t have enough of the enzyme lactase in their bodies to digest lactose. But some people who think they are lactose-intolerant actually can digest milk, studies show. People who think they are lactose-intolerant should see a doctor, the expert panel said. They may have a different condition. Even if they are lactose-intolerant, the experts said, they may be able to have up to a cup of milk products along with other foods. They also should make sure they get enough calcium, the panel said. The Associated Press wrote about the panel’s report February 25.