Products such as Lactaid milk, cheese and cottage cheese contain lactase, the substance needed to break down lactose. Many people with lactose intolerance are able to eat these foods without side effects. You can also take tablets of lactase to help improve the digestion of lactose-containing foods. Lactase is also available in drop-form for addition to foods. Examples are Lactaid , Lactrase , Dairy Ease , and Lactogest .
Calcium is important for maintaining strong bones.
Most of our dietary calcium comes from milk and milk products, so those who are lactose intolerant are often not meeting their calcium needs. Eating milk and milk products treated with lactase as well as other calcium-containing foods will help. However, without milk products, calcium supplements may be necessary. Ask your doctor or registered dietitian about the need for additional calcium. The amount of calcium needed varies with age.