Lactose intolerance is the body’s inability to produce the enzyme lactase in sufficient quantity to properly digest lactose.  Making the problem worse is the many foods that contain hidden lactose, since they are often labeled with names that are not so obvious; this can present a problem causing a person to ingest lactose without even realizing they are doing so.  Education in the different dairy byproducts and where to look for them can solve this problem.

Just looking for dairy products or lactose on the label will not be enough; and do not count on the manufacturer to label the product as containing lactose; you will need to search for other byproducts of dairy and lactose by their names.  Products labeled non-dairy may also contain ingredients made from milk, and therefore may contain lactose as well.

In addition to looking for the ingredients milk and lactose watch for words such as curds, whey, dry milk solids, milk by-products, and non-fat dry milk.  You will find these ingredients in baked goods, cereals, margarine, powdered baking mixes, dressings, chips, instant mixes such as breakfast drinks, and soups, and even candy.

Be wary of medicines both over the counter and prescription medicines, up to 6% of over the counter medicines and 20% of prescription drugs contain lactose.   Vitamins are another source of hidden lactose, so if you choose to take one to supplement the calcium or vitamin D you are not getting from dairy be sure to take care in choosing one that is lactose free.

When shopping read labels carefully, if there is an ingredient you do not understand, write that ingredient down and research it when you get home.  Visit Company websites if you are unsure or confused about what is in their product. Often companies will list more detailed ingredient lists and provide allergy and lactose intolerance information online.

If you are unable to get the information this way, as a last resort you can contact the company by phone or email. Companies are used to these sorts of inquiries and will do their best to answer your questions.  If after all of this you are unable to get the information then it is best to simply put it on your list of unsafe products.