What is lactose-free milk?
Lactose-free milk is milk made for people who have trouble digesting lactose, the sugar naturally found in milk. The NIDDK says lactose-free and lactose-reduced products may help you lower the lactose in your diet, are sold in many grocery stores, and are just as healthy as regular milk products.
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What does lactose-free milk mean?
Lactose is a sugar that is naturally found in milk and milk products, like cheese or ice cream (NIDDK). Lactose-free milk is a milk product sold to cut the lactose you take in. The NIDDK page we read says lactose-free and lactose-reduced products "may help you lower the amount of lactose in your diet". It does not explain how the products are made, so we do not describe the process.
Why do some people need it?
With lactose intolerance, the small intestine cannot digest, or break down, all the lactose you eat or drink. Symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea and gas can follow foods or drinks that contain lactose. The NIDDK says experts estimate about 68 percent of the world’s population has lactose malabsorption, and about 36 percent of people in the U.S.
Is it as healthy as regular milk?
The NIDDK says these products are just as healthy for you as regular milk and milk products. It also notes that milk and milk products are the most common sources of calcium, and that avoiding all of them may leave you with less calcium and vitamin D than you need.
Where can I buy it?
The NIDDK says these products are available in many grocery stores. Check the label for the exact product, and ask a doctor or dietitian if you are unsure whether it suits you or a milk allergy is involved.
People also ask
What does lactose-free milk mean?
It is a milk product with the lactose lowered or removed, which may help people who cannot digest lactose easily, according to the NIDDK.
Is lactose-free milk as healthy as regular milk?
The NIDDK says lactose-free and lactose-reduced products are just as healthy for you as regular milk and milk products.
Is lactose-free milk the same as dairy-free?
The NIDDK page does not address this. It describes lactose-free products as milk products, so check the label and ask a doctor if you have a milk allergy.
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