Latinos Sidelining Dairy in Their Diets Are at Risk for Low Calcium Intake

Integrating milk and dairy products into one’s daily diet is important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But for the roughly 75% of Latinos who experience stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and bloating from dairy products, incorporating milk into their diets couldn’t be further from their minds. In fact, a recent survey found that 63% of Hispanics who experience stomach discomfort or other symptoms of lactose intolerance as a result of consuming dairy products reduce or stop integrating dairy into their diets altogether. But that worries doctors and nutritionists because eliminating dairy could increase the risk for inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake. Additionally, consuming proper levels of calcium and vitamin D can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life and calcium plays an important role in helping with blood clotting, nerve signaling, and muscle contraction and relaxation. Therefore, to help educate lactose intolerant Hispanics about easy solutions for their symptoms that won’t leave them at risk for inadequate calcium, actress Angelica Vale shares her story.

“My cafe con leche provided the first clue that I was lactose intolerant — I would feel bloated and uncomfortable after my first cup. A friend suggested I may be lactose intolerant and asked me to consider trying lactose-free milk,” said Vale. “The switch made a tremendous difference. Now I can enjoy my cafe con leche, my favorite cheeses and all of the foods I love without worrying about stomach discomfort. LACTAID(R) Milk and LACTAID(R) Fast Act Dietary Supplements brought the foods that were formerly ‘off limits’ back to my table.”

What is Lactose Intolerance? How Can I Get Relief?
Lactose intolerance is a condition where the body is deficient in the lactase enzyme, which breaks down lactose, the milk sugar in dairy foods and beverages. The inability to break down lactose contributes to the physical symptoms of stomach irritability. People who suffer from lactose intolerance may have trouble enjoying those favorite dishes and beverages, such as enchiladas suizas or even a simple cafe con leche, so much so that they may skip them entirely.

However, simply switching regular milk to lactose-free milk or taking supplements can help lactose intolerance sufferers bring their favorite foods back to their table without eliminating dairy from their diet. LACTAID(R) Milk is real milk that is 100% lactose-free and can be used in any recipe that calls for milk. LACTAID(R) Dietary Supplements contain a natural lactase enzyme to break lactose down and make it easier to digest, when taken with the first bite of dairy.

“There’s no longer any excuse for lactose-intolerant individuals to avoid dairy products,” explained Vale.

“And, because of the importance of adequate calcium intake, there’s never been a better time to increase milk and dairy consumption.”

For recipes and to take a free dairy digestion test, visit www.lactaidenespanol.com.

1) American Gastroenterological Association. Lactose Intolerance. February 27, 2008. www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=854

2) The lactose intolerance survey was conducted by Yankelovich, Inc. on behalf of McNeil Nutritionals from February 28 - March 3, 2008 using online interviews among a sample of 200 African American adults 18 years of age or older.”*

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