In a school-age child with lactose intolerance, which dietary modification supports adequate nutrient intake?

In a school-age child with lactose intolerance, which dietary modification supports adequate nutrient intake?

• A. Increase fortified foods and vitamin D intake
• B. Avoid all dairy indefinitely
• C. Rely on dairy substitutes with no vitamin D
• D. Ignore calcium intake

Answer: (A)

The key idea is ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D for bone growth when lactose tolerance limits dairy intake. In school-age children, calcium supports bone formation, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. When lactose is an issue, you supplement through fortified foods so the child still gets enough of both nutrients. Fortified foods—like plant-based milks, cereals, and other fortified products—provide calcium and usually vitamin D, helping maintain bone health even without regular dairy. Relying on dairy substitutes that lack vitamin D won’t supply the needed nutrient to aid calcium absorption, and ignoring calcium intake or avoiding all calcium sources isn’t appropriate for growing bones. If needed, include calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods from non-dairy sources (and consider supplements if dietary intake remains insufficient).

The key idea is ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D for bone growth when lactose tolerance limits dairy intake. In school-age children, calcium supports bone formation, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. When lactose is an issue, you supplement through fortified foods so the child still gets enough of both nutrients. Fortified foods—like plant-based milks, cereals, and other fortified products—provide calcium and usually vitamin D, helping maintain bone health even without regular dairy. Relying on dairy substitutes that lack vitamin D won’t supply the needed nutrient to aid calcium absorption, and ignoring calcium intake or avoiding all calcium sources isn’t appropriate for growing bones. If needed, include calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods from non-dairy sources (and consider supplements if dietary intake remains insufficient).