Milk intolerance is relatively easy to treat. Although treatment cannot improve the body's ability to produce lactase, patients can effectively control their symptoms through diet.

Treating milk intolerance depends on the condition and the symptoms. Some people may be able to tolerate small amounts of milk or dairy in a different form, such as cheese. If symptoms are severe, then complete avoidance may be necessary.

Milk-intolerant people must educate themselves about foods containing hidden sources of lactose. Most types of dairy are obvious, but a person must still read the ingredient label carefully on all foods to make sure milk or lactose is not present. Unexpected products that contain lactose include:

• Cereal
• Breads
• Lunch meats
• Instant soups, potatoes and breakfast drinks
• Salad dressings
• Milk chocolate
• Margarine
• Baking mixes
• Frozen dinners
• Candy
• Medicines (e.g., birth control pills)

Patients should also check the ingredient labels for any of the following terms that indicate the presence of lactose:

• Whey
• Milk byproducts
• Nonfat dry milk powder
• Malted milk
• Buttermilk
• Dry milk solids
• Curds

Many people suffer from milk intolerance conditions that do not require them to completely avoid lactose. How much lactose a person can tolerate varies by individual, as does sensitivity to particular foods. For instance, some people can tolerate up to 8 ounces of milk a day with few symptoms. Young children and infants with a lactase deficiency should avoid all foods containing lactose until they are older. Lactose-free infant formulas are available for infants who are lactose intolerant.

Trial and error is frequently the only way to figure out which foods will cause symptoms and which can be tolerated. For example, some people can eat ice cream and some cheeses, but must avoid other types of cheeses and all other forms of dairy. Other people can only tolerate an occasional small glass of milk. Individuals with mild milk intolerance can often tolerate Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese and yogurt.

Lactase supplements can be taken with a dairy food to aid in digestion. These over-the-counter products contain the enzyme lactase and are available in both tablets and liquid forms. They should be taken just before or with consumption of the food containing lactose. For instance, the liquid form can be mixed with a glass of milk.

Lactase supplements are effective, but they are not a cure. The supplements take up to 24 hours to completely break down the lactose in a food, which means they cannot effectively handle large amounts of lactose.

Some types of dairy come in lactose-free forms. These products are often available at specialty grocery stores. An individual should always be sure that a product’s package is clearly marked as lactose-free before consuming it. Patients who are unsure about a food can contact the product's manufacturer.

Individuals who find it difficult to avoid lactose in their diets should consult a physician, who will often recommend dietary counseling. This will allow patients to plan their diet with expert advice.