Calcium-fortified orange juice is a safe beverage to drink if you're lactose intolerant. According to Harvard University Health Services, an 8-oz. glass of calcium-fortified orange juice has about the same amount of calcium as an 8-oz. glass of milk. If you're severely lactose intolerant, your doctor may recommend that you avoid consuming dairy, which can lead to a deficiency of vitamin D and calcium. Incorporating foods that contain these nutrients or are fortified with them is a good way to maintain your recommended daily intake.
Orange Juice
Orange juice is made from freshly squeezed oranges and is naturally lactose-free. An 8-oz. glass of orange juice that is not fortified contains about 52 mg of calcium, while an 8-oz. glass of milk contains about 300 mg, according to Harvard University Health Services. Orange juice that has been fortified with calcium has an added 250 mg per 8-oz., making it comparable to a glass of milk. If you're buying orange juice to acquire more calcium, purchase orange juice that states it is fortified on the label. Many brands of orange juice are also fortified with vitamin D.
Lactose
Lactose is a sugar that is primarily found in milk. There is no lactose in orange juice and is considered safe for people who have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance occurs when your body cannot digest the milk-sugar. Your digestive system does not produce enough of the right enzymes to break it down. Most sugars require enzymes to help the body absorb them. Lactase is the enzyme that simplifies lactose into simple sugars. When you lack this enzyme, the lactose goes undigested, which causes common symptoms.
Symptoms
If you're lactose intolerant you will notice symptoms anywhere from 30 minutes, up to two hours after you consume milk. The undigested lactose enters the colon and interacts with bacteria that attempt to digest it. This interaction causes excessive gas, bloating, cramping, diarrhea and nausea. Not everyone has the same level of intolerance. You may be able to eat a certain amount of dairy products that another person couldn't tolerate. Talk with your doctor about how much dairy you should consume.
Orange Juice Consideration
If you develop common symptoms of lactose intolerance after you drink orange juice, you may have another gastric condition. Food allergies, intolerances and irritable bowel syndrome can cause similar symptoms to develop after you eat or drink certain foods or beverages. If you develop cramping, diarrhea and stomach pain after drinking orange juice, see your doctor for evaluation.
