Hidden lactose powder may cause health issues
Manufacturers' failure to label 'hidden' lactose powder in foods means many lactose intolerant children are going undiagnosed, a health expert has warned.
Dr Stephanie Matthews, a consultant in medical biochemistry, said: "Parents advised to trial a lactose-free diet [on children who show symptoms of intolerance] are unable to do so correctly because lactose is added to many foods and drinks without stating this on the label," she said.
"When the dairy exclusion diet fails, lactose intolerance is often ruled out inappropriately," Matthews told delegates at the National Children's Nutrition Conference in Cardiff last month.
She claimed most of the world's adult population had low lactase levels, which meant they were potentially lactose intolerant. The degree of sensitivity varied considerably within different ethnic groups, she added.
