Don’t mind the lactose

NOTE to the lactose intolerant: When it comes to milk, don’t stray far from the federal food guidelines.

A new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, published in the September issue of Pediatrics, says that even children who can’t easily digest lactose should consume some dairy foods to make sure they get enough calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients for healthy growth. “A lot of people say they are lactose intolerant, so they can’t have any dairy products,” said Dr. Melvin Heyman, chief of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at UC San Francisco Children’s Hospital, and lead author of the report. “But now we know there is a problem with that down the road: osteoporosis.”

Although lactose intolerance causes uncomfortable symptoms -- abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and flatulence -- it is not going to cause injury, Heyman said. Experts suggest: Consume small amounts of lactose in 4- to 8-ounce portions throughout the day -- with other food; choose yogurt instead of milk because the bacteria partially digest the lactose; eat aged cheeses, such as cheddar and Swiss, which tend to have less lactose.

hilary.macgregor@latimes.com