Lactose Intolerance and Calcium: Other Factors to Consider
Clearly, many foods can provide the
calcium and other nutrients the body needs, even when intake of milk and dairy products is limited. However, factors other than calcium and lactose content should be kept in mind when planning a diet. Some vegetables that are high in calcium (Swiss chard, spinach, and rhubarb, for example) are not listed in the chart because these foods also contain substances called oxalates, which make the body unable to absorb the calcium they contain.
Calcium is absorbed and used only when there is enough vitamin D in the body. A balanced diet should provide an adequate supply of vitamin D from sources such as eggs and liver. Sunlight also helps the body absorb vitamin D naturally, and with enough exposure to the sun, food sources may not be necessary.
Calcium Supplements for Lactose Intolerance
Some people with
lactose intolerance may think they are not getting enough calcium and vitamin D in their diet. A consultation with a doctor or dietitian may be helpful in deciding whether
dietary supplements are needed. Taking vitamins or minerals of the wrong kind or in the wrong amounts can be harmful. A dietitian can help plan meals that will provide the most nutrients with the least chance of causing discomfort.
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