Author
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NICKLAS, THERESA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC) |
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Submitted to: Canadian Nurse
Publication Type: Other Publication Acceptance Date: 8/20/2012 Publication Date: 9/20/2012 Citation: Nicklas, T.A. 2013. Avoidance of dairy products: Implications for nutrient adequacy and health. Canadian Nurse. 102:1. Interpretive Summary: Dairy products are an important contributor of many essential nutrients often lacking in the typical North American diet, including calcium, potassium, and vitamin D, and limiting dairy intake may adversely affect health. Dairy exclusion diets may exacerbate the risk of osteoporosis and negatively impact other health outcomes. With up to 16 essential nutrients, dairy products provide a nutritional package that is difficult to replicate. Moreover, a growing body of evidence demonstrates a link between dairy intake and a decreased risk of several conditions, including hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, many individuals avoid dairy due to the often mistaken belief that they are lactose intolerant. Technical Abstract: Dairy products are an important contributor of many essential nutrients often lacking in the typical North American diet, including calcium, potassium, and vitamin D, and limiting dairy intake may adversely affect health. Dairy exclusion diets may exacerbate the risk of osteoporosis and negatively impact other health outcomes. In a recent cross-sectional study of a national sample of 3,452 adults, individuals who believed they were lactose-intolerant had significantly lower average daily calcium intakes from dairy foods than did those without self-perceived lactose intolerance. Additinally, there was a significantly higher percentage of respondents with self-perceived lactose intolerance, compared to respondents without self-perceived lactose intolerance. The National Institutes of Health recently issued a consensus statement indicating that the prevalence of lactose intolerance is lower than previous estimates suggested and advised against avoiding dairy, even for those with lactose intolerance. Symptoms can usually be managed by ingesting small amounts of milk, eating yogurt and hard cheeses, or using reduced-lactose milk. The limited data available suggest that individuals with lactose malabsorption can ingest up to 12 grams of lactose (the equivalent of one cup of milk) without significant symptoms, particularly when accompanied by other foods. Also, there is evidence that gradually increasing lactose intake over time can result in colonic adaptation. |
