September 28, 1999 Web posted at: 1:38 p.m. EDT (1738 GMT)
(CNN) -- Though it is a staple of the school lunch program, milk may not be the right drink for ever yone, especially minority children. It is estimated 95 percent of Asian Americans, 65 percent of African Americans and 50 percent of Hispanics are lactose intolerant, as compared to 15 percent of whites. For those who are lactose intolerant, dairy products can cause painful stomach problems.
In Boston, one state senator is calling for milk alternatives in the public schools. Medical Correspondent Linda Ciampa looks at some alternatives including lactose-free milk and calcium-enriched soy milk.