Lactose intolerance is a chronic condition characterized by your inability to digest lactose, the carbohydrate found in milk. It is a common condition that occurs most often in adults, with an increase in occurrence as you age, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Adding yogurt to a senior's diet does not solve lactose intolerance; however, this food is usually well tolerated by those who suffer from the condition.
Lactose Intolerance
People with lactose intolerance lack the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to metabolize the lactose sugar in milk into its digestible form. When you have lactose intolerance and eat foods with lactose, you experience abdominal pain, gas, bloating or diarrhea 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating them. Your symptoms vary depending on the degree of lactase deficiency and the amount of lactose you consumed. Treatment for lactose intolerance requires limiting or avoiding foods that contain lactose -- namely milk and milk products.
Lactose Intolerance in Seniors
As you age, your ability to digest lactose decreases, making seniors more susceptible. A 2001 study published in the "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology" investigated the impact of age on lactose intolerance. Researchers in this study found a significant increase in lactose intolerance in participants over the age of 74 compared to those under the age of 74. Certain ethnic groups are more at risk for lactose intolerance, including Asians, African Americans and American Indians. If you suspect you are lactose intolerant, talk to your doctor first for a formal diagnosis before cutting out milk from your diet. Milk and other dairy foods are important sources of calcium you need to keep your bones healthy.
Yogurt and Lactose Intolerance
Although yogurt does contain lactose, you may be able to enjoy it without experiencing any symptoms. This is because it also contains friendly live, active cultures, which convert the lactose to lactic acid in your body and make it easier for you to digest. While you may be able to eat yogurt without problems, it will not cure your lactose intolerance.
Additional Benefits
Yogurt is a good source of calcium for seniors, containing more than 400 mg in a 1 cup serving. Seniors need 1,200 mg of calcium a day to support bone health. Yogurt is also a good source of calories and protein, helping you to keep your energy levels up while preserving muscle mass. As a smooth textured food, yogurt is also easy to eat, which is important if you have poor dentition or loose fitting dentures.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Lactose Intolerance; June 2009
- Ontario Long Term Care Association; Lactose Intolerance: A Bad Break for the Elderly; Andrea Olynyk; December 2009
- "Scandanavian Journal of Gastroenterology"; Lactose Malabsorption and Intolerance in the Elderly; M. Di Stefano, et al.; 2001
- Dairy Council of California; Nutrients in Yogurt; 2009
