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About Sarah A. Allen
Expertise
I am a nutritionist with a bachelors degree in dietetics and am currently working on my masters degree. I have four years working experience in clinical and community nutrition. I can answer most of your general questions relating to medical conditions (pregnancy, food allergies, eating disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimers, etc). **Please remember only a medical professional with access to your medical chart can give you personalized medical advice.** I can also answer questions about vegetarianism, weight loss/gain, sports nutrition, and fad diets.

Experience
Work Experience: 4 years in clinical nutrition at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, 1 year community nutrition at Eastern Illinois University

Organizations
American Dietetic Association, Illinois Dietetic Association, Eastern Illinois Dietetic Association

Education/Credentials
B.S. in dietetics from Eastern Illinois University; currently working on my master's degree in the same area, also at Eastern Illinois University.

Awards and Honors
EIU Senior of the Year-Dietetics

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Weight Loss > Special Diets > Dairy Intolerance

Special Diets - Dairy Intolerance

Expert: Sarah A. Allen - 10/26/2009

Question
I have never been officially diagnosed as dairy intolerant but I am beginning to think I am.
As an infant I had a huge belly on a skinny frame.Apparently I was bottle fed evaporated milk.
As a child I was normal but we didnt drink much milk. As I got older I got a taste for chocolate milk, cheese, and ice cream (like everyone else), but once again developed the swollen belly on a normal frame.
I also began to get nausea in the morning if I had dairy such as ice cream the previous night.
This was accompanied by wind.
As an adult I have gotten into bodybuilding, and although I had a 'sixpack' with no fat, my belly is still distended.
I drank milk and recently whey shakes for the protein.They really seem to get the gas to build up.
I am now suspecting dairy is the culprit, as I have done an elimination diet for wheat and red meat with no results.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Also, how much dairy can be safely consumed or is it up to the individual?
For example can I still use creamer in my coffee or no?

Answer
Well, Ben, it sounds as if you may be correct about the lactose intolerance. Congratulations figuring out what was causing your problems; most people are not that in-tune with their body. Tolerance for dairy is very individual, depending mostly on how much lactase (the enzyme which breaks down lactose) your body makes. Most people who are lactose intolerant can eat cheese, yogurt, and milk with no problem because those products naturally contain less lactose than milk; unfortunately, it sounds as if you do have problems with those. You could try using a product such as Lactaid when you eat dairy products, which will help you digest them. You could also try lactose-free versions of the same products, such as lactose-free milk, soy milk and ice cream, soy-based protein powder, and non-dairy creamer. (Hopefully you are not sensitive to soy, which many non-dairy products contain.) As for how much lactose you can tolerate without the use of an over-the-counter product to help with tolerance, you honestly will just have to take all dairy out of your diet then try adding a little back to see how how much causes the symptoms. Sorry there is not an easier answer! Consuming lactose should still be "safe", it will most likely not harm you, just cause those horrible symptoms you described.

Good luck with your diet changes. If any further questions arise, please contact me again!

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