Choose Lactose-Free Milk
Choose Lactose-Free Milk—Milk Without the Discomfort
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and other dairy foods. Also known as lactose maldigestion, this disorder occurs when someone does not have enough of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose in the digestive system.
For those with lactose intolerance, drinking regular milk can lead to symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. But with lactose-free milk, you can enjoy the creamy, delicious taste of dairy without those uncomfortable side effects. It's the same fresh, tasty milk you know and love, just without the lactose. Lactose-free milk is an easy solution for anyone looking to enjoy milk without worry!
People who are lactose intolerant can still enjoy the goodness of drinking and eating dairy.
What is Lactose-Free Milk?
Choose comfort with lactose-free milk. Lactose-free milk is real milk, just without the lactose. Lactose-free milk is made by adding lactase, an enzyme that breaks down the natural sugar in milk so your body doesn’t have to. This means you get the delicious taste and benefits of regular milk, but without the discomfort that comes from lactose. With the lactose already broken down, you can enjoy your favorite dairy drinks and recipes without worrying about bloating, cramping, or other symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Lactose-free milk—all the things you love about milk with no bloating and no cramping.
Common Misconceptions About Lactose Intolerance
Misconception 1
People who are sensitive to lactose should avoid all dairy foods.
TRUTH: Most people who are lactose intolerant can enjoy many dairy foods. There are options with lactose-reduced or lactose-free milk, aged hard cheeses such as Cheddar or Monterrey Jack that contain little lactose, and yogurts with live and active cultures that help break down lactose.
Research shows most lactose-sensitive individuals can drink up to two glasses of regular milk a day with no symptoms if consumed in small quantities with food. Cooking with milk, yogurt, or cheese is an easy way to get the health benefits of dairy and avoid uncomfortable symptoms. The key is to build slowly and know your limit.
Misconception 2
Lactose intolerance means you are allergic to milk.
TRUTH: Many people confuse being lactose intolerant with having a milk allergy. Milk allergies are extremely rare. Only about 1 percent of adults and 3 percent of children are allergic to milk.
A milk allergy is a reaction to milk proteins and can cause symptoms like hives, wheezing, itching, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. The good news is most children typically grow out of a milk allergy in their first few years. Lactose intolerance is not a disease or allergy — it is simply the digestive system’s inability to break down and digest lactose, a milk sugar.
Managing Lactose Intolerance
Being lactose intolerant doesn’t require you to avoid dairy foods. Try these easy tips for enjoying milk, cheese, yogurt, and other foods from the dairy aisle:
Try lactose-free products such as lactose-free milk and lactose-free ice cream.
Include natural hard cheeses such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gouda, and Parmesan. When milk is made into cheese, most of the lactose is removed.
Choose yogurts with live and active cultures, which help to break down lactose. Introduce small amounts of milk or milk products to help reduce symptoms.
Work with a healthcare professional to make informed choices about lactose-free foods.
Common Questions about Lactose Intolerance
What are the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?
Symptoms include a possible discomfort about 30 minutes to two hours after consuming milk and milk products. Depending on the amount of lactose consumed and the amount a person can tolerate, symptoms range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and nausea.
What are the Causes of Lactose Intolerance?
Primary lactose intolerance occurs or develops over time and begins after about age two when the body begins to produce less lactase. Most children who have lactase deficiency do not experience symptoms until late adolescence or adulthood.
Who is at Risk for Being Lactose Intolerant?
Lactose intolerance is a common condition that is more likely to occur in adulthood, with a higher incidence in older adults. Lactose intolerance can occur at any age due to decreased lactase production. Some ethnic and racial populations are more affected than others, including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. The condition is least common among Americans of northern European descent. It is rare but possible to have congenital lactose intolerance. In some populations, particularly those with a long history of dairy farming, genetic mutations have led to lactase persistence, where individuals continue to produce lactase into adulthood. This adaptation is an example of human evolution in response to dietary practices.
Be Informed About Your Lactose Intolerance
Having lactose sensitivity doesn’t necessarily mean you have to miss out on dairy’s essential nutrients. There are many lactose-free or low-lactose dairy options that may work for you.
By making informed choices, individuals with lactose intolerance can maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.