What Is Lactose Free Milk?
Lactose problems occur when the body either has difficulty breaking down lactose or cannot break it down at all. But what exactly is lactose? Lactose is simply a natural sugar (disaccharides carbohydrate) found in milk and all other natural dairy products. Symptoms of lactose intolerance/sensitivity may including bloating, nausea, cramps, stomach pains, throwing up, diarrhea, and gas. Many people with lactose problems can tolerate some amount of lactose. This is usually about 2 percent or less of lactose per food/beverage. On average, milk has approximately 5% lactose, making it a problem for lactose intolerant or sensitive people. Fortunately for those who suffer, lactose-free milk has become more and more popular through the years.
How Do They Make Lactose Free Milk?
Lactose-free milk is made the same way a normal dairy milk would be made; however, an enzyme called lactase is added during production. Lactase assists in the breakdown of the troublesome lactose into glucose and galactose. Glucose and galactose are then ready for absorption into the body, leaving the intestines virtually clear of potential lactose when consumed. Many people state that lactose-free milk tastes a lot sweeter than traditional milk. This is because glucose and galactose are much sweeter sugars than lactose. Below is an excellent video explaining lactase and how it is used to manufacture lactose-free milk.
Lactose Free Milk Side Effects
Now that we know what is lactose-free milk, is this product safe to drink? Yes, the product will be nutritionally equivalent to a similar regular milk with lactose. Be aware that there can be allergic reactions to the two primary proteins in milk called casein and whey. A milk protein allergy can sometimes exhibit similar symptoms as lactose intolerance. Lactose-free milk will be of no use to alleviate milk protein allergies so it is important to pinpoint the cause of the problem.
Lactose Free Milk Brands
The number of lactose-free products has increased over the years as people have become more educated on the problems of lactose. Below is a list of popular lactose-free milk brands. Note that we have only including lactose-free milk that is dairy based and not from an alternative like almonds or soy. Please let us know in the comments below if you know of a brand not on the list so that we can add it.
- Organic Valley
- Lactaid
- Kroger
- Smart Balance
- Borden Dairy
- Horizon Organic
- Darigold
- Hiland
- Land O Lakes
- Smith’s
- Fairlife
- Prairie Farms
- Umpqua Dairy
- Kemp’s
- LALA
- shamrock Farms
