Side Effects of Lactose Intolerance

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Lactose intolerance usually results in the symptoms listed such as nauseas and vomiting. But, there are also many side effects associated with living with lactose intolerance. These side effects often arise when first attempting to follow a lactose-free diet. A lactose-free diet usually means excluding all dairy products. Dairy products are a major food groups, from which we attain the majority of our calcium and many essential vitamin and nutrients

Lactose intolerance presents a major obstacle for those who are lactose intolerant to obtain the recommended daily amounts of vitamins and nutrients for a healthy diet. Those who are lactose intolerant usually avoid any dairy and/or lactose containing products from their diet. But, dairy products and lactose are essential parts of a healthy lifestyle.

Why are dairy products important?

They contain a number of nutrients needed for healthy growth and development. Dairy products contain:

• Calcium
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin D

Why is lactose important?

Lactose also has an important function; it helps the body absorb important minerals such as zinc, magnesium and phosphorous. These help the development and maintenance of healthy bones.

Complications

Lactose intolerance makes it difficult to get your recommended daily amount of nutrients, so it is important to obtain these important nutrients from other food sources as deficiency in these nutrients can lead to complications such as:

• Osteopenia – reduced bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis.
• Osteoporosis – a disease of the bones, where they become fragile and easily breakable and at risk of fractures.
• Malnutrition – occurs when you have an unbalanced diet, that doesn’t give you the right amounts of nutrients needed for good health. It can lead to tiredness and reduced ability to combat illness.
• Weight loss – occurs by the continual lack of essential foods in your diet. Can cause excessive weight lost which can eventually lead to osteoporosis.

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