Lactose intolerance rates lower than thought

[Posted: Fri 06/11/2009 by Joanne McCarthy]

Lactose intolerance rates may be far lower than previously estimated, according to a new study.

The study, which used data from a sample of thee ethnic groups in the US, revealed that the overall prevalence rate of self-reported lactose intolerance is 12%. Eight percent of European Americans, 10% of Hispanic Americans and 20% of African Americans consider themselves lactose intolerant, according to the new study.

Previous studies have found that lactose maldigestion occurred in approximately 15% of European Americans, 50% of Hispanic Americans and as many as 80% of African Americans.

These new findings indicate that previous estimates of lactose intolerance incidence, based on the incidence of lactose maldigestion, may be vastly overestimated, the researchers said.

“There’s so much confusion surrounding lactose intolerance. By getting a better handle on the true number of people who deal with this condition every day, the nutrition community can be better equipped to educate and provide dietary guidance for Americans, including strategies to help meet dairy food recommendations for those who self-report lactose intolerance," said Theresa Nicklas of the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine, who led the study.

The researchers pointed out that those who experience symptoms of lactose intolerance should know that there are several practical solutions that can allow for consumption of milk and milk products, such as choosing lactose-free cow’s milk.

“Those with lactose intolerance are often relieved to know they can still enjoy the great taste and health benefits of dairy if they follow certain strategies," the researchers said.

"The symptoms of lactose intolerance vary greatly for each individual, and there are options in the dairy case that allow almost everyone to take advantage of the health benefits provided by the recommended three daily servings of dairy foods,” they continued.

A number of reports have cautioned that lactose intolerance should not require avoidance of dairy foods.

The study has been publshed in Nutrition Today.