About milk
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10 frequently asked questions about lactose
Does all milk contain lactose (cow milk, goat milk, human breast milk, etc.)?
Yes, milk from all mammals contains lactose, albeit in varying amounts. Human breast milk contains the highest amount of lactose (7 g/100 ml). Cow’s milk contains 4,6 grams of lactose per 100 ml.
Is the lactose level different between dairy categories like cheese, yoghurt and milk?
Yes. Regular cow’s milk contains about 4,6 grams of lactose per 100 ml. Yoghurt (3,4 - 4 g) is lower in lactose due to the fermentation process. Gouda and Edam cheeses are virtually lactose-free.
How many people in the world cannot digest lactose?
Approximately two-thirds of the adult world population have limited ability to digest lactose.
Is it true that the number of people that cannot digest lactose is increasing?
No, it is not, although it may seem that way. Lactose intolerance complaints are quite general and are sometimes confused with symptoms of other disorders like irritable bowel syndrome or cow’s milk allergy. Also, many people self-diagnose lactose intolerance which causes an over-estimation.
Can a lactose intolerant person still consume small amounts of dairy?
Most people that suffer lactose intolerance can, on average, tolerate 12 grams of lactose in a single consumption without complaints. This corresponds to a large glass (260 ml) of milk.
Can lactose tolerance be improved?
Regular consumption of small amounts of dairy in combination with a meal, spread over the day can help to increase lactose tolerance.
What is the difference between lactose intolerance and milk allergy?
Lactose intolerance is caused undigested lactose moving into the lower parts of your gut, where it can cause bloating, pain, and/or diarrhea. It can be uncomfortable, but not dangerous. Cow’s milk protein allergy involves the immune system and is caused by an immune reaction of your body to the proteins in milk. Allergy complaints (e.g. rashes) are different from lactose intolerance complaints (e.g. bloating and abdominal pain).
How do you make lactose free milk?
The lactose is filtered out of the milk and/or split up into galactose and glucose (causing the milk to taste a bit sweet) by adding the enzyme lactase during processing.
Is lactose free milk just as nutritious as normal milk?
Yes, lactose free milk contains the same nutrients as regular milk (except for the lactose).
Why do adults become lactose intolerant after drinking milk during childhood without problems?
After the age of 6, the body of 67% of the people in the world stops producing the enzyme that is needed to digest lactose.