Understanding the difference between lactose intolerance and milk allergy is crucial for your health. Lactose intolerance stems from the body's inability to digest lactose, causing symptoms like stomach pain. Conversely, milk allergy triggers immune responses, leading to symptoms such as nausea and itching. Consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and dietary guidance.
Milk not sitting well in your tummy? You might have just finished indulging in a bowl of ice cream and suddenly feel your belly grumbling. You may be allergic to milk or lactose intolerant. Although they sound very similar, they are keys to understanding which condition you have.
So, which is which? Read on to find out!
Simply put, having lactose intolerance means that your body cannot break down or digest lactose, which is the natural sugar found in dairy products. This is because your body is not producing enough lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down the lactose to be absorbed by your body.
There are several causes of lactose intolerance but perhaps the most common one is your family history. When it runs in your family, you may experience lactose intolerance all the way into adulthood.
In some cases, your body may stop producing lactase after an injury, disease, or infection. There are also cases when premature babies don’t produce enough lactase—but this is often an issue that eventually goes away. There are also very rare instances of individuals without the capacity to produce lactase from birth.
There are many symptoms of lactose intolerance such as stomach pain, headaches, fatigue, muscle and joint pains—stuff that you shouldn’t feel after consuming milk!
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult your doctor. And if you really cannot say “no” to ice cream, keep it to one cup. You can still consume reasonable quantities of dairy products without experiencing adverse effects.
And we mean right now! Unlike lactose intolerance, milk allergies mean just that. You are allergic to milk and should not consume it in any form. Milk allergy is the immune system’s response to milk and milk products, and it’s one of the most common allergies among children. Cow’s milk is usually the cause of milk allergy, but goat milk and sheep milk have also been known to cause allergic reactions. Its symptoms are like those of lactose intolerance with nausea, itching, and cramps thrown into the mix.
Here’s a sliver of hope, though. As adults, we tend to outgrow this allergy. But if you haven’t, please stick to dairy-free alternatives of your favorite dessert, snack, or drink.
Seeking specialist advice is important if you or your child encounter any of the symptoms of lactose intolerance or milk allergy, no matter how mild they may be—your doctor will conduct the necessary tests and prescribe the right diet. Understanding what you or your child have will guide you in making the best food and drink decisions for yourselves.
More references:
Lactose Intolerance: Facts you need to know National Nutrition Council, 2021.
Better Life, Better Protein Food and Nutrition Research institute, 2023.
What you need to know about Milk Allergy National Nutrition Council, 2021.
Food Allergy: What You Can Do About it National Nutrition Council, 2022.
5 Signs and Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance Healthline, 2023.
