People who are lactose intolerant have low levels of vitamin D in the blood compared to the general population, according to the new research from the University of Toronto.

Those who had the gene called LCT - associated with lactose intolerance - consumed minimum amounts of dairy products than those who do not have the condition. In addition, those who are lactose intolerant had decreased vitamin D levels in their blood since the vitamin is commonly found in dairy products.

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Ahmed El-Sohemy, the author of the study and a Ph.D. candidate in University of Toronto's Department of Nutritional Science, said that it has already been known that lactose intolerant people consume fewer dairy products, but they were surprised that these people do not compensate by eating other foods fortified with the essential nutrients like vitamin D.

These findings could raise awareness, particularly to those who are lactose intolerant, limiting their dairy product consumption. They still can get the nutrient to other products like orange juice and lactose-free dairy products to have enough vitamin D levels in their blood.

Previous findings also confirmed that lactose intolerant people are slightly shorter compared to those who do not have the condition, which indicates that lack of essential nutrient limits the bone growth.

Lactose intolerance was observed in several ethnic groups, the largest proportion occurred in East Asia. Meanwhile, in the research, 1,495 Canadian men and women were involved from diverse ethnicities.