Sweet acidophilus milk is cow's milk in which Lactobacillus acidophilus is added to create a sweet tasting dairy product. Unlike live cultures found in most yogurts, sweet acidophilus milk contains about the same amount of lactose as regular milk, according to Eat Wisconsin Cheese. If you are lactose intolerant and cannot tolerate a regular glass of milk, sweet acidophilus milk is not recommended without the proper preventive measures. If you suspect that you're lactose intolerant, talk with your doctor for a diagnosis.
Sweet Acidophilus Milk
Sweet acidophilus milk is commonly made from low fat or nonfat cow's milk. Acidophilus cultures are added to the milk and then it is heated to produce crud and a certain level of acidity. The milk is refrigerated to prevent further growth of the cultures. Because this milk product is not fermented, such as acidophilus milk, the product has a sweet taste instead of tartness, according to Eat Wisconsin Cheese.
Lactose Intolerance
Your small intestines are lined with membranes that produce enzymes to help digest certain sugars and proteins in foods. If you're lactose intolerant, your intestines do not produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break-down lactose, and causes irritation and inflammation in the digestive tract, according to MedlinePlus. The condition is incurable, but is manageable through lifestyle and dietary changes. MayoClinic.com states that most adults are lactose intolerant to a certain degree, but only those who develop significant symptoms are diagnosed with the condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms will vary from mild to severe, depending on severe you're intolerance is towards lactose. Some people can handle more diary than others, but symptoms commonly develop within the first 30 minutes after drinking sweet acidophilus milk. Symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, gas, foul-smelling stools, stools that float, vomiting and nausea. MedlinePlus warns that in extreme cases, the condition may lead to weight loss and malnourishment.
Prevention
If you're lactose intolerant and you want to drink sweet acidophilus milk, use a dietary lactase supplement during the first sip of the milk. The supplement will provide the needed enzymes to help digest the lactose in the milk. Some supplements come in liquid form that is added to the milk-product before ingesting, according to MayoClinic.com.
Consideration
You can also replace sweet acidophilus milk with drinkable yogurt. Yogurt is fermented which helps to digest some of the lactose before you ingest it. Talk with your doctor before modifying your diet to treat a medical condition.
