June 11, 2012 | One of the primary risk factors for developing osteoporosis, a fairly common disease which causes your bones to become weak and easy to break, is not getting enough calcium in your diet. Since dairy products like milk are a major source of calcium, you might assume that people with lactose intolerance who avoid dairy products could be at an increased risk for osteoporosis. However, research exploring the role of lactose intolerance in calcium intake and bone health has produced some conflicting results. Some research studies have found that people with lactose intolerance are at a higher risk for osteoporosis, while others have shown the opposite. Regardless of these results, people with lactose intolerance should follow the same basic strategies to build and maintain healthy bones, and should also pay extra attention to getting enough calcium. This includes eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, getting plenty of exercise and not drinking or smoking to excess.