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Lactose

Lactose, a milk sugar, is found primarily in dairy products. It also may be added to foods during manufacturing. Intolerance to lactose is caused by a lack of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose for digestion.

Some people produce low amounts of lactase under normal conditions. In general, African American, Asian and Native American adults may produce only a small amount of lactase. Elderly people of any race often experience gas or diarrhea with milk intake. Any treatment of illness that causes diarrhea may result in inadequate production of this enzyme. Tolerance to different food sources of lactose varies. Therefore, tolerance should be tested by introducing only a small quantity of a lactose-containing food into the diet at a time.

Foods High in Lactose

• Milk
• Cream
• Ice cream
• Cheeses aged less than 90 days, including American, mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, brie, etc.

Foods with Smaller Amounts of Lactose

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Frankfurters
• Creamy salad dressings
• Powdered coffee
• Instant mixes for potatoes, stuffing, noodles and rice

Note: It is important to check food labels to note if a product contains lactose, milk products, dry milk solids or whey.

The enzyme lactase is available commercially under the brand name Lactaid and sold in pharmacies without a prescription. It can be added to milk to break down lactose and to make milk more digestible for those with an intolerance. Lactaid milk (pretreated with Lactaid) also is available. It is sold in grocery stores and has 70 percent of the lactose reduced to a more digested form. This milk would require further modification with the Lactaid enzyme for those with an extreme lactase deficiency.

For more information or to request an appointment with a registered dietitian, please contact the UCSF Nutrition Counseling Center at (415) 353-2291.

• Managing Food Allergies
• Calcium Content of Selected Foods
• More Nutrition Patient Education

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.