|
|
|
 |
|
Sign
up for the NDC Update for the latest dairy nutrition news, fast facts,
free tools for patients, expert nutrition advice and information on updated
dairy nutrition resources.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose Intolerance and Minorities: The Real Story
Can Minorities Include Milk and Other Dairy Foods in their Diet?
Lactose intolerance doesn't have to be an obstacle to meeting calcium needs through milk and other dairy foods. Researchers in Minnesota found that lactose maldigesters, some of whom described themselves as lactose intolerant, could consume the amount of lactose in 2 cups of milk, one cup at breakfast and another at dinner, without developing symptoms.
"Individuals vary immensely in their intake of dairy products depending on personal preference and country of origin. Avoidance of milk usually has nothing to do with lactose intolerance. The bottom line is that minorities have a tendency to consume less milk than do Caucasians, but this behavior is not necessarily related to lactose intolerance."
Michael Levitt, M.D.
Associate Chief of Staff for Research
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Minneapolis, MN
Two cups of milk provide about 600mg calcium. This amount falls far short of the 1,500mg calcium/day recommended to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. To determine if lactose maldigesters could tolerate a diet providing 1,500mg calcium/day primarily from dairy products, these same researchers conducted another study. In this double-blind cross-over study, 31 women with lactose maldigestion (more than half of whom were minorities) and 31 women who were not lactose maldigesters (all Caucasians) consumed one of two diets for one week and then switched to the other: a dairy-rich diet containing 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of yogurt, and 56 g cheese, or an identical diet containing lactose-reduced versions of milk and yogurt. With the exception of some mild flatulence, no differences in symptoms occurred regardless of whether the women consumed the regular or lactose-reduced dairy products.
"The African American participants in the DASH study had no problems consuming three servings of dairy foods/day. Recognizing that some may be lactose intolerant, we used simple dietary strategies to minimize any symptoms. These included offering fluid milk in small portions with meals, low fat cheese, and yogurt. Also, lactose digestive aids were available, if needed."
Marlene Most-Windhauser Ph.D., R.D., L.D.N., F.A.D.A
Associate Professor of Research
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Baton Rouge, LA
Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that lactose maldigestion need not be a major barrier to consuming 1,500mg calcium/day from dairy products. Individuals diagnosed as lactose intolerant can meet current recommendations for calcium from dairy foods. Interestingly, 66% of the women with lactose maldigestion were surprised that their symptoms following intake of dairy foods were "less than expected."
"Many of the African American adolescent girls who were part of our calcium diet study at Purdue complained about having to drink milk on the first day. They said they didn't like milk, disliked yogurt even more, and were lactose intolerant. Although almost all tested as maldigesters, they had only a very modest level of symptoms, almost incidental. Two weeks later, after they had been consuming a dairy-based, high-calcium diet, we tested them again. Every one of these girls had absolutely no symptoms after consuming several servings of dairy foods a day, mostly milk."
Dennis Savaiano, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Foods and Nutrition
Dean and Professor
School of Consumer and Family Science
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
In the recent landmark DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) study, African Americans who consumed 3 servings/day of dairy foods as part of the DASH diet experienced blood pressure benefits without any symptoms of lactose intolerance. The DASH study demonstrates that a low fat diet rich in low fat dairy foods, fruits, and vegetables can reduce blood pressure in individuals with high-normal blood pressure. Further, the blood pressure reduction is similar to that achieved with currently available blood pressure medications. In this study, 62% of the participants were African Americans. The blood pressure lowering effect of the DASH diet was twice as great in African Americans as in Caucasians. This finding is important given that African Americans suffer from hypertension in greater numbers, develop the condition earlier in life, and have more serious complications than do Caucasians.
Table of Contents:
|