Lactose Intolerance
Alternate Names : Lactase Deficiency
What are the treatments for the condition?
Infants and young children with lactose intolerance should not eat
or drink foods containing lactose. This includes milk and milk products.
Special infant formulas
are available for babies with congenital lactose intolerance. Older children
and adults may be able to eat or drink limited amounts of lactose-containing
foods.
The enzyme lactase is available in tablet or capsule form. Persons with lactose
intolerance can sometimes tolerate milk products if they take a lactase tablet
first. Liquid lactase may also be added to milk to lower the lactose content
before the person drinks it. Dietary counseling can be helpful to an individual
with lactose intolerance. The dietary plan should include foods high in
calcium and vitamin D.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Lactase supplements have no significant side effects.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
If the ability to digest lactose has been permanently lost,
treatment might be lifelong.
How is the condition monitored?
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare
provider.
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