Does buffalo milk have lactose, and is it safe with a milk allergy?

Does buffalo milk contain lactose?

Buffalo milk is a mammal milk, and its main carbohydrate is milk sugar. We could not find an official source that gives a separate lactose number for it. USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy entry for fluid Indian buffalo milk) lists 5.18 g of carbohydrate per 100 g, with 0 g fiber. For comparison, the USDA entry for whole cow’s milk (3.25% fat) lists 4.8 g of carbohydrate and 5.05 g of lactose per 100 g. Do not treat buffalo milk as lactose free.

Is buffalo milk good for lactose intolerance?

We found no official source showing that buffalo milk is easier on people with lactose intolerance. Lactose-free products are made by removing or breaking down lactose, and buffalo milk has not been treated that way unless the label says so. Ask a doctor or dietitian if you react to dairy.

Is buffalo milk safe with a cow’s milk allergy?

Lactose intolerance and milk allergy are different problems. A milk allergy is a reaction to milk proteins. A skin-prick study of 30 children with cow’s milk allergy found 22 (73%) positive to water buffalo milk. After removing 7 children who had probably outgrown the allergy, 22 of 23 (96%) tested positive. The authors concluded buffalo milk is unlikely to be a successful alternative. The study did not include food challenges, and the milk came from a buffalo dairy that also funded it. If you have a milk allergy, ask an allergist before trying any animal milk.