Objective: To identify methods in reducing the prevalence of lactose intolerance in children.

Methods: A hydrogen respiration test (HRT) method was used in screening lactose intolerance (LI) subjects after taking 25 g of lactose among 106 children aged from 10 to 11 years old in a primary school located in the suburban area of Beijing. A cross-design was used to detect the effects of low lactose milk, yogurt and cereal-effect among 68 selected LI children.

Results: The incidence of LI was 80.2% after the children took 25 g of lactose, and after taking a 250 ml of full milk, lactase-fermented milk, coinfected milk, yogurt, or milk with meal, the LI incidences were 21.1% (12/57), 0% (0/25), 6.1% (2/33), 8.6% (3/35) and 13.6% (3/22) respectively.

Conclusions: Low lactose milks and yogurt could reduce the LI incidence among LI children significantly.