My 3 year old is lactose intolerant & hypothyroid, what's the best milk substitute?

Various products: The frequency of lactose intolerance is so high there are many products commonly available for consumers. In my area, "lactaid" is the name of a bovine milk with the missing enzyme added so it can be easily digested. Here it is usually sold in quart boxes. There are other lactose free products out there but you have to develop a taste for them. I wouldn't be concerned about the thyroid issue.

Can use Lactaid milk: The university of rochester medical center pediatric nutrition web page has a long list of lactose-free foods (plus things to avoid): www.Urmc.Rochester.Edu/childrens-hospital/nutrition/lactose-free.Cfm lactose intolerant persons (over age 3 yr) can always take lactaid chewables or tablets with meals or snacks that contain lactose. Lactaid milk is fine, and comes as whole, lowfat, or nonfat milk.

Avoid Soy: Soy products will hamper the absorption of thyroid hormone medication from the gut. Try lactaid milk or yogurt products. Please keep in mind that if your child's dairy intake, particularly milk, is decreased, a daily multivitamin containing 100% vitamin d, may become necessary. Please discuss with your child's doctor.

Alternatives: Lots of alternatives to plain milk in situations like this. Lactaid is one option. Soy milk is another option as long as it isn't ingested within an hour or so of taking levothyroxine as it is known to interfere in the absorption of the medication. Please discuss with your doctor also.