Cheese does not cause lactose intolerance, but eating cheese if you’re intolerant of lactose can cause digestive symptoms. Lactose intolerance is the result of a deficiency in lactase, an enzyme needed to break down lactose. Lactose is found in almost all dairy products unless it has been removed during the manufacturing process. If you develop gastrointestinal symptoms after eating cheese, talk with your doctor.
Lactose Intolerance Causes
Lactose intolerance is either primary or secondary. Primary lactose intolerance is the most common type and begins around the age of 2 years, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. At age 2, your body may stop producing as much lactase as you transition from a milk-based diet to solid foods. As you get older, the amount of lactase your body creates continues to decrease. If the amount of lactase is not enough to effectively digest lactose when you consume it, you are lactose intolerant. Secondary lactose intolerance is the result of an injury, a digestive disease or chemotherapy.
Cheese
Different cheeses contain various amounts of lactose, which is why some cheeses may cause lactose-intolerant symptoms and others may not. According to Drugs.com, aged cheeses, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, processed cheeses and natural cheeses contain a minimal amount of lactose. Cheese spreads and cheese foods, such as cheese in a can, contain high levels of lactose.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lactase deficiency are the result of the undigested lactose making it into the large intestine. Once the lactose enters the large intestine, it interacts with bacteria that cause increased gas, bloating and diarrhea. Most lactose-intolerant symptoms develop within a few minutes of ingesting the cheese, but some people may not experience symptoms until a few hour later. Symptoms may vary between individuals from minor to severe.
Prevention
If you are severely lactose intolerant, you may have to avoid cheeses and other diary products altogether. People who have a moderate to mild intolerance may be able to eat cheese without any symptoms. You can prevent symptoms by purchasing cheeses labeled as lactose-free. Lactose-free cheese uses lactase enzymes during production to remove the lactose.
