Lactose is the sugar found in milk formed from glucose and galactose. Lactose intolerance is a relatively common medical condition, and most individuals actually have some degree of intolerance to lactose. Your tolerance to lactose typically depends on several factors including how much lactose you consume. Typically, lactose intolerance will produce symptoms approximately 30 minutes to two hours after consuming milk products. You will find lactose in the milk of all animals. Manufacturers produce lactose-free milk for individuals that have a higher degree of intolerance to the lactose in milk. You should, however, speak to a medical professional prior to introducing lactose-free milk into your diet, so she can advise if it is right for your specific situation.
Lactose Removal
Ultra pasteurization is the processes commonly used by manufacturers to produce lactose-free milk. Ultra pasteurization uses ultra-high temperatures to remove the lactose from milk. Another method of producing lactose-free milk involves adding lactase to milk. This process breaks down the lactose sugar into its components, galactose and glucose, both substances that your body can absorb. There is no conclusive evidence that drinking lactose-free milk poses any danger to your health.
How the Body Uses Lactose
Typically, as you age, your ability to digest lactose becomes weaker. According to the book "Allergies and Asthma: What Every Parent Needs to Know," on average, you will retain a 10 percent capacity to produce lactase, the enzyme required to breakdown lactose, as you age. Lactose is made from two sugar units, glucose and galactose. Your cells can use both of these sugars for energy. However, in order to break down the lactose into its glucose and galactose components, your body requires the enzyme lactase. Once the lactase enzyme successfully breaks down lactose into these sugars, your body can absorb the sugars into your bloodstream and use them for fuel.
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is not a milk allergy. The intolerance results from a problem with your digestive system. Lactose intolerance specifically results from the digestive enzyme lactase. Your body produces lactase in the lining of your small intestine. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include gas, nausea, diarrhea and bloating. Severity of these symptoms will depend on the level of your lactose intolerance.
Is Lactose Necessary?
Lactose provides glucose for the body. Your body requires glucose to produce energy and for several other functions. However, because you can obtain glucose from numerous sources, you do not need to consume lactose to maintain optimal health. If you have a lactose intolerance, you can either consume lactose-free milk or avoid any type of milk product without posing any danger to your overall health.
References
- "Go Dairy Free"; Alisa Marie Fleming; 2008
- "Living Well with Lactose Intolerance"; Jaime Aranda-Michel and Donald S. Vaughan; 1999
- "Allergies and Asthma"; American Academy of Pediatrics; 2010
- "The Food Cure for Kids"; Natalie Geary M.D; Oz Garcia PhD; 2010
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