Lactose Intolerance and Milk Allergy

A better understanding of the difference between lactose intolerance and milk allergies leads to a better understanding of how to manage these two distinct conditions.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose is the principal carbohydrate in milk. Virtually all mammals are born with high levels of lactase, a unique intestinal enzyme that breaks down lactose, enabling its absorption. In individuals with lactose maldigestion, any lactose that is...

Keywords: lactose intolerance, health studies

Milk Allergies

Milk allergies are rare in adults and should not be confused with lactose intolerance. Milk allergies involve immunological reactions, while lactose intolerance involves digestive factors. Milk allergies and lactose intolerance are therefore not similar conditions and should be treated...
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How to Reduce the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

It is unnecessary, and even unwise, to exclude milk products from your diet in order to avoid lactose intolerance symptoms. Low intakes of milk result in low intakes of important milk nutrients: vitamins A, B6, B12 and D; riboflavin; calcium; magnesium; and protein. Symptoms related to...
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The Position of Pediatricians on Lactose Intolerance

According to new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the elimination of dairy products to treat lactose intolerance should be considered a last resort. Their reasoning is that milk and milk-product avoidance has a negative effect on calcium and vitamin D intake, and...
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