Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream contain a natural sugar called lactose. People avoid dairy-rich foods for a number of reasons such as a milk allergy, digestive disturbances, sinusitis, asthma, skin irritation, following of a vegan diet, or perhaps the most common, lactose intolerance. Following a lactose-free diet may prevent unwarranted gastrointestinal problems. There are a variety of dairy alternatives on the market. It is important to understand the terms associated with these products.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a condition in which your body cannot digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This is due to a lactase deficiency, the enzyme responsible for breaking lactose down into glucose, a more readily absorbed source of energy. With lactose intolerance, you lack the ability to produce lactase and, therefore, after consuming dairy products, lactose passes into the intestines unchanged. While lactose is not dangerous, it is associated with uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms. Symptoms typically occur 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking lactose-rich foods. Typical symptoms include cramping, gas, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea. You can control symptoms of lactose intolerance by carefully choosing a diet that limits dairy products.
Milk Allergy
A milk allergy is most common among children, but this does not mean adults cannot develop a milk allergy. Most children will outgrow a milk allergy by the age of 3. Cow's milk is the most common allergy, but goat, sheep or buffalo milk can cause reactions as well. A milk allergy usually occurs within a few minutes to a few hours after consuming milk. Symptoms of a milk allergy range from mild to severe and include wheezing, vomiting, digestive problems, hives and even anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. Avoidance of milk and lactose containing foods is the best prevention for milk allergies.
Lactose Free
In general, lactose-free products are foods that do not contain lactose, or milk sugar. These foods are developed for individuals who cannot digest lactose or tolerate dairy. When selecting lactose-free products, it is important to read labels and check ingredients. There is no standard definition for the term "lactose free" and no regulation regarding the use of terminology on package labels. A food labeled lactose free may be free of traditional dairy ingredients including milk or cream, but it may not be free of milk derivatives such as caseinates or whey.
Hidden Lactose
It is important to be careful of hidden sources of lactose. Milk derivatives are often added to prepared foods such as cereal, instant soup, salad dressings, margarine, shortening, nondairy creamers, baking mixes and processed meats. Look for ingredients such as milk solids, powder or protein, whey, nonfat dry milk and whey protein. Lactose is used in certain medications as well, so be sure to discuss your prescriptions with a pharmacist. Following a lactose-free meal plan is not easy, but eventually you will develop a list of foods that you can easily tolerate.
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