Others find they have symptoms after drinking milk, but have no symptoms after eating ice cream or aged cheeses. One reason aged cheese is often tolerated when other dairy products are not is because as cheese ages, the lactose in it is gradually transformed into lactic acid. Lactic acid doesn't cause problems for people who are lactose intolerant. Many of these products are now readily available in supermarkets. Stores offer 100 percent and 75 percent lactose-reduced milk.
Lactase enzyme in either pill or liquid form is also available without a prescription.
The liquid enzyme can be used to treat milk to reduce its lactose content before you drink it. Lactase tablets can be consumed to help people digest solid foods that may contain lactose. One challenge for people who suffer from lactose intolerance is getting enough calcium in their diets. Dietary calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. The good news is that there are alternative sources of calcium besides dairy products.