How is lactose intolerance treated?

In most cases, milk-based foods do not need to be completely avoided with lactose intolerance, but need to be limited to the person’s individual tolerance. In fact, intake of some lactose is advised in order to promote tolerance. Depending on the type and level of tolerance, most people can consume some lactose – typically a daily amount of 12-15 g.

A 200 ml glass of milk contains approximately 9-10 g lactose, while the amounts in yogurt and cheese is considerably less, 5.9 g in 125 ml pot of plain whole yogurt and 0.03 g in 25 g of cheddar cheese. There are a number of lactose-free products available commercially, such as lactose-free milk. In addition, lactase supplements (the enzyme that digests lactose) are also available from pharmacies and health stores which can assist with lactose digestion, when taken at the correct time.