Lactose Intolerant? Here's How Lactose-Free Milk Actually Works

 

 

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Lactose-free milk is milk in which the lactose has been broken down into glucose and galactose by externally adding the lactase enzyme. This is done so that it can be comfortably digested by people with lactose intolerance, i.e. the inability to produce enough lactase enzyme naturally. Lactose-free milk helps prevent symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and nausea in people with lactose intolerance. It also contains the same vitamins, protein, calcium, and minerals as regular milk but is simply easier on the gut.

 

Introduction

 

For those of you who might have experienced stomach discomfort after having a glass of milk, lactose intolerance is not an unfamiliar term. Some individuals' ability to produce lactase naturally deteriorates with age. What often follows is completely giving up dairy, looking for plant-based milk like oat milk, or popping a lactase pill every time you have dairy. It's cumbersome.

Thankfully, ever since lactose-free milk came into the market, most of these problems have been solved. The biggest lactose-free milk benefits are that it lets you enjoy the same nutrition as regular milk without the digestive discomfort caused by lactose intolerance. But have you ever wondered how is lactose-free milk actually made? Don't worry, we've broken down the jargon for you in this simple, easy-to-understand guide.

 

 

What Is Lactose Free Milk and Lactose Intolerance, Really?

 

Milk and dairy products contain a natural sugar known as lactose. For our body to digest it, the small intestine requires an enzyme called lactase that breaks down lactose into two simple, absorbable sugars - glucose and galactose. These are then absorbed by the body and used for energy. When the body is unable to digest lactose due to a low amount of lactase enzyme, this condition is known as lactose intolerance. However, it is important to note that it's a biological norm and not a disorder, though genetics also makes it possible for some people to continue making lactase into adulthood.

 

When there is a shortage of lactase, the body is unable to break lactose down, and most of it passes into the large intestine undigested. There, it is fermented by the gut bacteria, producing gas and drawing water into the intestine. This causes the classic symptoms of lactose intolerance, such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea.

 

Babies produce a lot of lactase since milk is their primary source of nutrition, but in most humans, lactase production decreases after weaning. As a result, if a person with lactose intolerance drinks regular milk, they may experience the above-mentioned symptoms.

 

How Does Lactose-Free Milk Actually Work?

 

It's not at all as complex as you might have expected. Surprisingly, lactose-free milk starts as the same cow's milk that you drink and goes through the same pasteurisation process, follows the same regulations, and begins with the same base product. It just has one additional step where, before packaging, manufacturers add the lactase enzyme directly to the milk.

 

So, instead of your small intestine producing this enzyme, it is added externally, meaning the milk you receive already has its lactose "predigested." You get milk whose lactose has already been broken down into glucose and galactose, making it ready to be absorbed, and your body doesn't have to do the extra work.

 

The process begins with collecting fresh milk and then adding the lactase enzyme to it under controlled conditions. The milk is left for several hours, during which the enzyme breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose. After that, it is packaged and distributed just like regular milk.

 

Lactose-Free Milk vs. Regular Milk

 

 

Who Should Drink Lactose-Free Milk?

 

Lactose-free milk benefits individuals with lactose intolerance as it is easier on their gut. Older adults may also benefit from consuming it since lactase production naturally decreases with age, and regular milk can cause digestive discomfort in some people. Sometimes, people develop temporary lactose intolerance after recovering from a digestive or gastrointestinal illness; they may benefit from consuming lactose-free milk during recovery. Furthermore, people who want the nutrition of dairy but avoid it because they believe all dairy will upset their digestive system can opt for lactose-free milk from a trusted brand like Aashirvaad Svasti.

 

Common Myths About Lactose-Free Milk

 

Myth - 1 Lactose-free milk means dairy-free

 

Truth - It is a true dairy milk, and only the lactose has been broken down into glucose and galactose for easy digestion.

 

Myth - Lactose-free milk is made for senior citizens

 

Truth - Lactose intolerance can affect people from all age groups, whether teenagers, adults or older individuals.

 

Myth - Lactose-free milk is a healthier alternative to regular milk

 

Truth - Lactose-free milk is not healthier and is just a better option for people who have trouble digesting lactose.

 

Myth - It has less calcium

 

Truth - Almost all lactose-free milk contains calcium content similar to that of regular milk.

 

Myth - Lactose-free milk contains extra sugar

 

Truth - No extra sugar is usually required. It has a naturally sweet tinge to it because of the glucose and galactose.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Can lactose-free milk still cause digestive discomfort?

 

Yes, in certain cases. Conditions other than lactose intolerance, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), milk allergy or other gastrointestinal diseases, can also cause digestive problems. If symptoms do not subside even after switching to lactose-free milk, then consulting a doctor is advised.

 

2. Does lactose-free milk have less calcium than regular milk?

 

No, the lactase treatment has no impact on the calcium content, and it provides the same calcium as regular milk of the same fat quantity.

 

3. Is lactose-free milk completely free of lactose?

 

Since the majority of lactose is broken down by the lactase enzyme, most commercially sold lactose-free milk generally has minute traces of lactose. This quantity is usually suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance.

 

4. Is lactose-free milk costlier than regular milk?

 

Yes, it's priced a little more than regular milk. The extra step of enzyme treatment adds an extra cost to the production that is reflected in its selling price.

 

5. Is lactose-free milk safe for daily consumption?

 

Yes. Most people with lactose intolerance can consume it as a part of their balanced diet.

 

6. Is lactose-free milk suitable for weight loss?

 

No, it is not a specific weight loss food. Weight loss depends on your diet, lifestyle choices and physical activity.

 

7. Can I make my own lactose-free milk at home?

 

Yes. Lactase tablets or drops are available in the market that you can add to the regular milk. After that, if it is allowed to sit in the refrigerator long enough, the enzyme will break down the lactose just the same way it is done commercially.

 

Conclusion

 

Lactose intolerance doesn't mean abandoning your milk cravings forever. Lactose-free milk does the tough work for you by breaking down the lactose into sugar so that it's easier to absorb for your body. Lactose-free milk benefits people with lactose intolerance, older individuals, people with temporary lactose intolerance and people looking for dairy alternatives. It's a perfectly balanced dairy product, as its nutrition remains intact, it has a slight sweet tinge, and it does not cause any digestive discomfort.