Nowadays, low-income women (ages ≥ 60 years old) do not consume milk always easily. In this study, 9 focus groups were conducted to explore personal, behavioral, and environmental factors associated with milk consumption to determine attitudes, beliefs, and barriers related to adequate milk consumption in this population.
The authors concludes that knowledge regarding the benefits of milk and the dislike of its taste were not the first reason for the lack of consumption. Instead, gastrointestinal side effects seemed to be the major barrier to adequate consumption. Future nutrition campaigns should test strategies for lactose intolerance management when communicating with low-income older women.
Yogurt has its own approved health claim in Europe
Specific living cultures present in Yogurt explain its effect on lactose digestion. Yogurt bacteria also contain high levels of lactase. Bacteria pass through our stomach into the small intestine where they help break down lactose. Based on several human studies, the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) stated that a causal relationship exists between the consumption of live yogurt cultures in yogurt and improved lactose digestion in individuals with lactose maldigestion.
The claim is: «Live cultures in yogurt or fermented milk improve lactose digestion of the product in individuals who have difficulty digesting lactose.»
