Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What supplement should be included in the diet of a school-age child with lactose intolerance?

1. Zinc

2. Vitamin D

3. Thiamine

4. Folic acid

The correct answer is: Vitamin D

Including a vitamin D supplement in the diet of a school-age child with lactose intolerance is important due to the role vitamin D plays in calcium absorption and bone health. Children with lactose intolerance often have limited dairy intake, which is a primary dietary source of both calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial for the development and maintenance of healthy bones, and deficiencies can lead to conditions such as rickets or impaired bone growth. In the absence of sufficient dairy products, compensating for the potential shortfall of vitamin D becomes vital. While other nutrients are important for overall health, the unique dietary restrictions faced by a child with lactose intolerance make vitamin D supplementation particularly significant for promoting optimal bone health and preventing deficiencies associated with inadequate dairy consumption.