Many lactose intolerance sufferers think they need to eliminate dairy from their diet. But dairy is an important source of natural calcium, protein, vitamins A and D and other nutrients. Along with a healthy overall diet and regular exercise, calcium helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis, is essential for muscle contraction, helps keep the nervous system healthy, is important for strong bones and teeth, and is vital for growth in children. If calcium levels in the blood drop below normal, the body will draw on bone calcium to maintain levels of blood calcium, weakening the bones over time.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), around 20% of Hispanic, Asian and African-American children younger than five have some degree of lactase deficiency and lactose malabsorption. The AAP strongly recommends that you and your family keep dairy in your diets to ensure you get enough calcium and nutrients1. A study has found that children who drink flavored or plain milk get more nutrients and have a lower body mass index than those who don’t drink milk 2. For kids with lactose intolerance, the AAP recommends lactose-free milk.
LACTAID® Milk is an easy and great tasting way of keeping dairy in your family’s diet and enjoying all the nutritional benefits that come with it – all without the discomfort of regular dairy.
1Heyman MB. Committee on Nutrition. Lactose Intolerance in Infants, Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics. 2006; 118(3):1279-1286.
2Murphy MM, Douglass JS, Johnson RK, Spence LA. Drinking flavored or plain milk is positively associated with nutrient intake and is not associated with adverse effects on weight status in US children and adolescents. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 2008;108:631-639.
How much calcium should you and your family get daily? Check out the recommended intake guidelines below.
Daily Calcium Intake Recommendations
