16/10/2023
Helpful information.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is not an allergy but an inability of the gut to breakdown lactose, the sugar found in milk. Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose so that it can be absorbed by the gut. If lactase levels are low, milk sugar can’t be broken down and builds up in the gut causing bloating, gas, diarrhoea, nausea and stomach pain. Lactose intolerance never causes allergy symptoms or anaphylaxis. Some dairy products have lower lactose levels than milk, so some people with lactose intolerance can eat yoghurt and cheese.
There are also low-lactose and lactose-free milk available as well as lactase enzyme replacements that can be added to milk products or eaten before consuming a milk product. A person with a true milk (protein) allergy will have allergic symptoms if they eat lactose-free dairy products
