Treatment of Lactose intolerance

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The symptoms can be prevented by being careful with your diet. Generally, young children with lactose intolerance should not eat or drink foods containing lactose (i.e. dairy products). They should eat non-dairy butter and cream, and use soya-milk.

Older children and adults may be able to tolerate certain amounts. It is best to try this by gradually introducing into the diet.

It should be noted that most hard mature cheeses, ricotta, cottage and cream cheese contain only very small amounts of lactose and are usually well tolerated. Yoghurt also, often causes few problems as the lactose in the milk has been fermented.

Lactase enzyme in liquid form (usually as drops) can be taken before a meal or added to milk. This can be very effective in helping your digestive system to digest the lactose in the meal. You can also take lactase pills (lactase enzyme capsules) before a meal.