Lactose Intolerance and Dairy Allergy

Why do I have lactose intolerance? 

For most of the world’s adults, lactose intolerance is actually a normal condition. Only Caucasians of northern European origin generally retain the ability to digest lactose after childhood. 

It has been estimated that ninety percent of Asians, Black, Native American and Mediterranean adults lack the enzyme (lactase) necessary to digest lactose properly. The frequency of lactase deficiency is ten to fifteen percent in northern and western Europeans.

While almost all infants are able to digest milk and other dairy products, many children lose their lactase enzyme by three or seven years of age. 

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

Symptoms range from minor stomach cramps, flatulence and bloating to severe diarrhoea. The symptoms develop within a few hours in response to even small amounts of lactose 

Lactase deficiency can also occur as a result of a gastrointestinal disorder that damages the intestinal tract, such as coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis. Lactose intolerance can cause discomfort and digestive disruption, but it is not a serious threat to health and can easily be managed through dietary changes.

Dairy (Cow’s milk) allergy

Terms such as allergy and food intolerance are often used interchangeably, however they have different causes. Cow's milk allergy is an immune response to one or more of the proteins in cow's milk. 

This response can be triggered by a very small amount of the milk protein and it will usually be immediate. Reactions range in severity from acute dermatological or digestive manifestations such as eczema, hives or diarrhoea, to more severe potentially life threatening anaphylaxis or chronic malabsorption and inflammation. 

How to treat dairy allergy

The only effective treatment for cow's milk allergy is to fully eliminate cow's milk and any products containing it.

How does healthy nutrition help treat lactose intolerance naturally? 

If you suspect you may be lactose intolerant, it is a good idea to avoid dairy products for a few weeks to see how you feel without them in your diet. It may be difficult at first, but is well worth it if your digestive discomfort subsides.

Although it may be in your best interests to limit your consumption of dairy products regardless of whether you are lactose intolerant or not, you don’t have to give up all the foods you enjoy that typically contain cow’s milk - There are many dairy-free alternatives to common foods like ice cream, yogurt and baked goods.

Watch out for hidden lactose!

Be aware that lactose and cow’s milk can also be found in some surprising places, such as low-fat spreads, ready-made sauces, chocolate and packaged snacks. Be sure to read the ingredients labels of the foods and beverages you consume to make sure they don’t contain cow’s milk or other dairy products like butter and cheese.

Find out more about the Allergies and Intolerances Programm