Individuals with an intolerance to lactose are unable to break down the sugar found in milk--lactose--due to a deficiency of adequate lactase in the small intestine. If you're lactose-intolerant but enjoy having milk, you may try lactose-free milk. There are many varieties, including skim, low- and reduced-fat, whole, calcium-enhanced and chocolate-flavored.
Function
Lactose-free milk is milk that has lactase enzyme added to it, an ingredient not found in regular milk. Lactase breaks down lactose into two simple sugars: glucose and galactose. These are monosaccharides, or single sugar molecules. The body's cells can only use glucose for energy. Other sugars must be absorbed, carried to the liver and converted to glucose or glycogen, which is stored glucose.
Significance
This product is necessary because lactose intolerance is quite common in the United States population and dairy products are important for promoting bone health. According to the Texas Department of Health/Nutrition Services, approximately 25 percent of the Caucasian population suffers from lactose intolerance, while among Asian-, African- and Native American populations, the prevalence likely exceeds 85 percent. If these individuals consume dairy products containing lactose, they may suffer abdominal pain, cramping and diarrhea.
Basic Nutrient Values
The nutrient content of lactose-free milk is roughly the same as that of regular milk. One cup of lactose-free reduced-fat, or 2 percent, milk provides 130 calories, 5g fat, 3g saturated fat, 8g protein, 13g carbohydrates, 12g sugars, 20mg cholesterol and 125mg sodium. Also, like regular milk, lactose-free milk is rich in protein, carbohydrates and is an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins
Lactose-free milk, like regular milk, is fortified with vitamins A and D. Lactose-free milk is also rich in riboflavin, or vitamin B2. One cup of fortified lactose-free milk meets 10, 20 and 25 percent of the recommended daily value (DV) for vitamins A, B2 and D, respectively. Vitamin A is important for healthy eyesight and proper immune system function. Vitamin B2 plays a vital role in energy metabolism and healthy nervous system function while vitamin D is important for healthy bones and teeth, proper immune system function and maintaining normal blood calcium levels.
Minerals
Lactose-free milk is rich in bone-building calcium, meeting about 30 percent of the DV in 1 cup and is also a good source of potassium, providing between 370 and 400mg per cup, or 11 percent of the DV, depending upon brand. In addition to building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth, calcium, along with potassium, helps regulate blood pressure. Calcium-enhanced lactose-free milk is available and 1 cup meets 50 percent of the recommended DV.
Member Comments