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Medical Author:

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.

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Medical Editor:

Bhupinder Anand, MD

Dietary changes designed to reduce or eliminate lactose products is the simplest and most effective treatment for lactose intolerance. Foods that should be avoided by people with lactose intolerance are listed in the previous section and include milk, ice cream, yogurt, and cheese.

Replacement of milk with substitutes, such as, soy milk and other soy products or rice milk is one option for people with lactose intolerance.

Lactase enzyme replacement in milk products is also a common recommendation for treating lactose intolerance. Lactase supplements in pill or liquid (Lactaid) form are available and can be added to milk. Other similar preparations include Lactrase, LactAce, Dairy Ease®, and Lactrol. Commercially available milk predigested with lactase is also available in most supermarkets (Lactaid milk).

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