If one is lactose intolerant, of course he or she will have some gas and such… but will the nutrients in the milk still properly be absorbed by the body? I tried water with my shakes long ago but its nothing like good ol milk.
There shouldn’t be an issue absorbing other proteins/nutrients, only breaking down the lactose.
You could always buy lactaid if its in your grocery. Its not soy, and its wont mess with your stomach. My wife and daughters lactose intolerant and they seem to like it.
lactaid is a good alternative, especially the calcium fortified kind. however, tampaterry suggested to me kefir grains for people with digestive issues (such as me) and it has proven to be extremely effective.