<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> The study appears in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Hertzler conducted the study with Shannon Clancy, a clinical dietitian at Toledo Hospital in Toledo, Ohio. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/05/030530081555.htm Kefir May Bolster Lactose Tolerance In Intolerant People COLUMBUS, Ohio – For lactose intolerant adults, drinking fermented milk either eliminated or drastically reduced symptoms related to lactose intolerance. Researchers think that microbes in this fermented milk – called kefir – possess the enzyme that is necessary to digest lactose. Kefir is a little known, and slightly more expensive, alternative to milk. It contains a multitude of bacteria that are thought to break down lactose in the digestive tract. "Many health claims exist for kefir, including the enhancement of the immune system and improved digestive health, particularly with regard to lactose digestion," said Steven Hertzler, a study co-author and an assistant professor of medical dietetics at Ohio State University. "We wanted to find out if kefir would improve lactose digestion. The research showed that it did." Drinking kefir reduced flatulence frequency by more than half, compared to milk. Kefir might be a better option than yogurt for some lactose intolerant people, Hertzler said, adding that, like yogurt, kefir is a good source of calcium, potassium and protein. But kefir also contains a wider array of microorganisms than yogurt does. "Both kefir and yogurt improve lactose digestion simply because some of the bacterial cells give up their lives in the intestinal tract, release their enzymes and digest the lactose," Hertzler said. "It's a one-shot deal. However, kefir has additional microorganisms that may be able to colonize the intestines and benefit health further by protecting the intestine against disease-causing bacteria." ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the Internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the Web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! *Please provide references to back up claims of a product being GF or not GF*