Lactose Restricted Diet
Lactose, commonly known as milk sugar, is produced solely by the mammary glands of cows. It is a sugar made up of glucose and galactose, and it can be difficult for some individuals—particularly those of Asian, Black, Hispanic, and certain Caucasian descent—to digest. This difficulty arises from a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose. When lactose is not properly digested, it can ferment in the intestines due to bacteria, leading to symptoms such as flatulence and diarrhea.
Fermenting milk products into yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, or cheese can effectively eliminate lactose. A lactose-restricted diet is recommended for those who cannot tolerate lactose.
According to the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), a lactose-restricted diet can provide all necessary nutrients except for calcium, unless fermented dairy products are included. In such cases, taking a calcium supplement of 800 to 1,000 mg per day is advisable.
FOOD EXCHANGE MENU
Bread & Cereal Exchange List:
4 or more servings per day
• Whole wheat bread
• White bread (enr.)
• Cereals
• Pastas
• Potatoes
• Popcorn
• Brown rice
• Beans (dried)
• Green peas
• Lentils
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Avoid: Breads or cereals prepared with milk or milk products
Fat Exchange List
• Fortified margarine prepared without milk
• Vegetable oils
• Cream (non-dairy, powdered)
• Salad dressing without milk products
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Avoid: All others
Fruit Exchange List:
2 or more servings per day
Meat and Meat Substitute Exchange List:
6 or more servings per day
• Meat
• Fish
• Peanut butter
• Eggs
• Soybeans
• Shellfish
• Poultry
• Tofu
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Avoid: Any meats prepared or processed with milk products such as:
• Luncheon meats
• Cheese
Milk Exchange List:
2 or more servings per day
• Soybean milk and other lactose-free supplements
• Yogurt and buttermilk may be tolerated by some
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Avoid: All milks and milk products that are not recommended
Vegetable Exchange List:
2 or more servings per day of fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables, both whole and juice
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Avoid: Vegetables that are prepared or processed with milk or milk products
Miscellaneous Exchange List
All beverages and soups prepared or processed without milk
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Avoid: All beverages and soups containing milk or milk products