Most chocolate products contain some form of milk solids that may contain lactose, a sugar found in milk. If you're lactose intolerant, you may develop adverse reactions after consuming chocolate foods or beverages. The type of chocolate will determine how much lactose the product contains. You may be able to enjoy chocolate by taking an enzyme supplement that helps the body digest lactose. A doctor can provide guidance on how to manage lactose intolerance.
Lactose Intolerance
Most adults are intolerant to lactose to a certain degree, but only those with significant symptoms are diagnosed as lactose intolerant, according to MayoClinic.com. Lactose needs to be broken down into simple sugars in order for the body to absorb them. This requires lactase, an enzyme that digests lactose. If your body doesn't produce enough lactase the lactose will remain in your digestive system undigested until bacteria can break it down. Bacteria digesting the sugar causes bloating, gas, stomach cramps, diarrhea and abdominal pain, according to MedlinePlus.
Chocolate
Each person is intolerant to lactose to a different degree. One person may be able to eat an entire bar of milk chocolate without developing any symptoms, while another person may not be able to eat any milk chocolate at all. Talk with your doctor before eating chocolate if you suspect that you're intolerant to the lactose in the product. Some chocolates, such as dark chocolate are not made with milk and therefore may be more tolerable for people with lactose intolerance.
Treatment
If you are highly intolerant to lactose and you want to eat chocolate products that contain lactose, you can still enjoy them by taking enzyme supplements, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Lactase enzyme supplements are available at any pharmacy. When taken at the first bite of chocolate, the supplement will reduce or prevent any symptoms from developing. If you're severely intolerant, you may need to take more than the recommended dose on the package. Discuss this with your doctor if you believe this is the case for your condition.
Consideration
Lactose intolerance is commonly confused with a milk allergy. If you develop any other symptoms aside from digestive complications after eating chocolate, you may have a food allergy. Chocolate products may contain highly allergic foods, such as soy, wheat, milk, eggs and nuts.
