LI Celebrity Alert: Victoria Rowell

My, the PR people at Lactaid have been busy lately. First they conscript Angélica Vale for a Lactaid milk ad campaign, and now they announce that "Victoria Rowell joins LACTAID® Milk to educate lactose intolerant African-Americans about the importance of calcium and Vitamin D."

From the press release:

Today, an estimated 40% of African-American women in the U.S. over age 50 have either low bone mass or osteoporosis², where bones become increasingly brittle and painful. Consuming calcium-rich foods and beverages daily can help reduce the risk for these conditions, however there are limited options available for people who are lactose intolerant and experience stomach discomfort after consuming dairy-based products. Today, actress, author and philanthropist Victoria Rowell joins LACTAID® Milk, the nation's #1 lactose-free milk brand, to educate lactose intolerant African-Americans about the importance of calcium and Vitamin D and the products available to help manage symptoms easily and effectively.


"Lactose intolerance is a common condition for African-Americans. I am also lactose intolerant and used to avoid dairy because I did not want the stomach discomfort that followed," said Rowell. "Over the years, I have realized that avoiding dairy can put me at risk for osteoporosis. Products like LACTAID® Milk and LACTAID® Fast Act Dietary Supplements help me manage my lactose intolerance without eliminating dairy from my diet, putting my mind at ease about my bone health now and in the future. I also love that I can still enjoy my favorite foods with family and friends."

People who are lactose intolerant -- a condition where the body is deficient in the lactase enzyme which breaks down lactose, the milk sugar in dairy foods and beverages -- often avoid dairy products altogether. According to the National Institutes of Health, African-American women consume only half of the recommended daily amount of calcium³. As a result, these women run a higher risk of nutrient deficiencies that may affect bone health and lead to related conditions, like osteoporosis, later in life.

(2) National Osteoporosis Foundation, Fast Facts

(3) National Institutes of Health, Osteoporosis and African American Women, May 2006

For more information on lactose intolerance and LACTAID® Brand products, visit Lactaid.com.