Milk Matters cont.2

Are there any special recommendations for populations with high rates of lactose intolerance?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that population groups with high rates of lactose intolerance should not be encouraged to avoid milk and milk products.9 They should try the calcium consumption strategies to get dietary calcium.

Should children take calcium supplements?

Experts suggest that the preferred source of calcium is through calcium-rich foods.10 However, if calcium cannot be obtained dietarily, calcium supplements can be given to children.

What can I do to help my patients?

There are many things you can do as a health care provider to help your patients get enough calcium, including:

*If you have patients who are lactose intolerant, share the "calcium consumption strategies" with them so they know how they can still get calcium without discomfort.

*Provide parents with copies of the Milk Matters booklet, For strong bones…For lifelong health…Milk Matters.
To order free copies of the booklet, call 1 800 370 2943 or visit http://www.nichd.nih.gov/milk.

*Encourage patients ages 9 to 18 to consume 1,300 mg of calcium a day. If a patient does not want to add milk or milk products to his or her diet, suggest non-dairy sources of calcium and calcium-fortified foods.

*Learn more about discussing calcium consumption with patients and their parents in the fact sheet Building Strong Bones: Calcium Information for Health Care Providers.

*For more information, visit the Milk Matters Web site at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/milk.