Soy protein is commonly used to make dairy substitute products that are naturally lactose and milk-free. Soy protein is made from soy beans and is commonly used to make soy-based cheese, milk and meat substitutes. If you've been diagnosed with lactose intolerance, you may need to avoid the consumption some dairy products that contain a lot of lactose. Some conditions, such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease many times require a lactose-free diet.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition where your intestines don't create enough lactase. Lactase is the enzyme in the body that helps digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. During adolescence your intestines slow down how much lactase they produce. As you age, your body may stop making too much lactase, which makes it difficult for you to process lactose. Each person has a different degree of lactose intolerance. Some people can eat certain low-lactose dairy products, such as yogurt and aged cheese, while others cannot consume any lactose.
Symptoms
The symptoms that develop from lactose intolerance effect the digestive system within 20 to 30 minutes after you ingest dairy products. The lactose that is unable to be digested by your body will enter your colon and interact with bacteria. This interaction is the cause of most lactose intolerant symptoms, including gas, bloating, diarrhea, cramping and stomach pain. Most symptoms last for less than an hour. Once the lactose is expelled from the body, your symptoms will subside. If your symptoms last for more than one day, you may have another digestive condition.
Soy Protein
Soy protein is commonly used in a lactose-free diet to prevent lactose intolerant symptoms from forming. Soy protein contains no lactose and is typically fortified with vitamin D and calcium to replace any lost nutrients from eliminating dairy. For example, soy protein is used to make soy yogurt, soy milk, soy cheese and soy ice cream. Not every soy-based product is lactose-free. Read the ingredients of every soy product. If you notice any ingredient that begins with "lact," it most likely contains lactose. Avoid those products, unless you're able to tolerate the amount of lactose in the product.
Consideration
If you're allergic or are intolerant to soy protein, you should not consume any soy-based products. An allergic reaction to soy can cause potentially life-threatening symptoms. If you consume soy products and still develop lactose intolerant symptoms, you may have another digestive condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
