In addition to important vitamins and minerals, milk contains significant amounts of protein and sugar. Casein is one of the main proteins found in milk. Milk also contains a naturally occurring sugar called lactose. Most people can adequately digest casein and lactose, although some experience abnormal or allergic reactions to the protein and sugar.
Casein
Casein is one of the major protein components of milk. Casein, also referred to as curd, is the part of the milk that remains solid after milk curdles. The other major protein component of milk, whey, remains liquid after milk curdles. The casein protein contains most of the calcium content of milk. This is because casein also contains phosphate, which helps attract and bind calcium.
Milk Protein Allergy
A milk protein allergy is characterized by an abnormal immune reaction to casein, whey or both. If you are allergic to casein, consumption of milk triggers your immune system to release antibodies that attack the casein. This also results in the release of histamine, which causes a widespread inflammation response characterized by a swollen face, rash, itching, and watery, swollen eyes.
Lactose
Lactose is the natural sugar in milk and milk products. Two monosaccharides, or simple sugars, called galactose and glucose come together to form lactose, which is a disaccharide. The lactose content of milk usually ranges from 4 to 6 percent.
Lactose Intolerance
Normally, your small intestine produces an enzyme called lactase, which breaks down lactose into the two simple sugars glucose and galactose. Lactose intolerance occurs when your small intestine does not produce enough lactase to break down lactose. As a result, lactose, which cannot be absorbed in its whole form, moves through your digestive system untouched until it reaches your large intestine. When lactose enters the large intestine, the bacteria that live there begin to feed on it, producing hydrogen and other gases that cause the bloating, gas and diarrhea associated with lactose intolerance. The only way to treat lactose intolerance is to eliminate milk and dairy products that contain the sugar from your diet.
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