FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., -- A new Lactose Intolerance in Multicultural Communities Surveysponsored by the LACTAID(R) Brand found that 77 percent of Latinas reduce the amount of milk or dairy in their diet as a way to manage their lactose intolerance. Yet, 63 percent of Latinas who have lactose intolerance worry the condition keeps them from consuming important nutrients, such as calcium and vitamins A and D. Despite their concerns, only 14 percent have talked to a health care professional about lactose intolerance.
The study found that more than half of Latinas are unsure about what foods may cause discomfort and 12 percent remove dairy from their diet completely as a way to control their lactose intolerance. This is concerning as dairy foods and beverages contain key essential nutrients that are important for a healthy lifestyle.
Since 50 to 80 percent of Latinos may have symptoms of lactose intolerance, there is a need for a greater understanding of how to manage the condition. In fact, lactose intolerance is easy to diagnose and easy to manage, without forgoing dairy and the foods Latinas and their families love. That's why to help educate women about lactose intolerance, the LACTAID(R) Brand has partnered with Angelica Vale, Mexican comedian and actress, who is lactose intolerant and who has learned to enjoy dairy and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
"Although I am lactose intolerant, milk and dairy products are an important part of my diet. I rely on LACTAID(R) Milk to ensure I drink real, delicious milk everyday and consume the nutrients necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle," said Vale. "I love to make fruit licuados for breakfast, and because I have a sweet tooth, desserts like flan are a perfect ending to dinner. So it's great that I can manage my lactose intolerance without giving up my favorite traditional dishes."
The LACTAID(R) Brand recently conducted the Lactose Intolerance in Multicultural Communities Survey to gain insight into how multicultural women, who are more likely to have lactose intolerance, understand and manage the condition. Additional findings include:
- Fifty-eight percent of Latinas feel inconvenienced by their condition.
- Seventy-eight percent want to keep dairy in their diet because of its health benefits - 40 percent because it is a natural source of calcium and nutrients and 38 percent to maintain healthy bones.
- A majority of Latinas are worried about managing their lactose intolerance in social settings.
- Seventy-eight percent worry about experiencing symptoms when enjoying a meal with others.
- Sixty-five percent feel they have to avoid certain foods before or during social events.
- Forty-six percent are uncertain about eating foods prepared by friends or family.
- Sixty-three percent of Latinas do not know that lactose-free products, like LACTAID(R) Milk, Ice Cream and Cottage Cheese, have the same important nutrients found in regular milk and dairy products.
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest foods containing lactose, which is found primarily in milk and many dairy products. The condition creates discomfort such as gas, cramping, bloating and diarrhea. The LACTAID(R) Brand is dedicated to helping consumers manage their lactose intolerance by providing information and resources about the condition on their website. Consumers can visit www.lactaidenespanol.com to find facts about lactose intolerance, a Dairy Digestion Test to determine if symptoms are a result of lactose intolerance and recipes to help manage their condition.
About the Lactose Intolerance in Multicultural Communities Survey
The Lactose Intolerance in Multicultural Communities Survey was conducted on behalf of the LACTAID(R) Brand by Richard Day Research between July 1-31 2009. The online survey interviewed a national sample of 401 African American and 405 Hispanic women living with lactose intolerance, age 18 and older. The sample is balanced according to the age and regional dispersion of this population as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The sample of Hispanic women was also balanced to reflect the nativity of the Hispanic population.
About the LACTAID(R) BRAND
LACTAID(R) Brand Milk and Dietary Supplements are marketed by McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, a Johnson & Johnson company. LACTAID(R) Brand products allow people with dairy digestive problems to enjoy dairy products once more. LACTAID(R) Dietary Supplements, which are available in both caplets and chewables, naturally break down the milk sugar, lactose. LACTAID(R) Milk is 100% lactose free real, delicious milk perfect for drinking, cooking and baking and is available in whole, 1%, 2%, fat-free and calcium-fortified varieties.
About McNeil Nutritionals
McNeil Nutritionals, LLC is a global marketer of innovative nutritional products. The company's mission is to give people the ability to actively manage their own health. McNeil Nutritionals, LLC markets SPLENDA(R) Sweetener Products, SUN CRYSTALS(R) All-Natural Sweetener, VIACTIV(R) Dietary Supplements, LACTAID(R) Milk and Dietary Supplements, and BENECOL(R) Products. McNeil Nutritionals, LLC is headquartered in Fort Washington, PA.
