Lecithin does not contain lactose, but some products that are made with lecithin may contain lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and can cause digestive complications if you're intolerant of this sugar. Lecithin is a common compound in the cells of all living organisms. Lecithin is found in many animal and vegetable sources including steak, eggs, peanuts, cauliflower and oranges. It is also added to soups, canned foods and creamy substances as a preservative and thickening agent. If you develop lactose intolerance symptoms after eating foods that contain lecithin, you may have a food allergy and not lactose intolerance.
Lecithin
Most commercial lecithin is made from soy beans or from egg yolks, both of which do not contain any lactose. Lecithin may also be used as a dietary supplement to treat and prevent neurological and liver conditions, according to Drugs.com. Consuming lecithin may cause an allergic reaction if you are allergic to egg or soy proteins. Talk with your health care provider and an allergist to determine the cause of your symptoms. Avoid consuming lecithin until you know the cause of your symptoms to avoid any serious complications.
Lactose
Lactose is a complex sugar that is found in dairy products. Infants have large amount of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose, because their diets are completely based on milk. As you age, your body stops creating as much lactase. If your digestive system stops make enough lactase to adequately digest lactose, you become lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance causes gas, bloating and diarrhea after you consume dairy products. The condition is incurable but manageable through supplementation and diet modification. Lecithin does not contain lactose and will not trigger lactose intolerance-related symptoms.
Consideration
An allergic reaction can cause similar digestive symptoms that may appear related to lactose intolerance. Because lecithin is made from either soy or eggs, you should use caution if you have a known food allergy. Soy and eggs are two of the most common food allergies. An allergic reaction to lecithin can cause digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, but it is not a digestive reaction. An allergic reaction to lecithin is caused by an overreaction of the immune system that causes inflammation in your stomach and intestines.
Warning
If you develop other symptoms along with digestive complications, such as facial swelling, hives, shortness of breath, lightheadedness or dizziness, you need to call 911. These are signs of a severe allergic reaction that could lead to death if not treated immediately.
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