Final answer:
The claim that individuals with lactose intolerance need to avoid soy products is false. Soy products do not contain lactose and are generally considered safe for those with lactose intolerance. People with lactose intolerance often use soy products as a nutritious dairy alternative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that it is important for people who are lactose intolerant to refrain from eating soy products is false. Lactose intolerance is caused by the inability to produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose, which is the sugar found in milk and dairy products. Since soy products do not contain lactose, they are generally suitable alternatives for individuals with lactose intolerance.
People with lactose intolerance commonly experience symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting when they consume dairy. However, for those individuals, soy products can be a safe source of nutrition. It's important to note that individuals with soy allergies or sensitivities should avoid soy products.
However, individuals with lactose intolerance find soy milk and other soy-based foods beneficial since they are lactose-free and do not trigger the unpleasant symptoms associated with dairy consumption. These soy products may also provide essential nutrients such as proteins and certain vitamins that might otherwise be lacking in a dairy-free diet. It should be mentioned that some processed soy products can contain added ingredients that might cause issues for sensitive individuals, so it is always important to check food labels.