Lactose is the sugar naturally found in milk and in certain dairy products. In order to digest lactose, the body needs lactase, an enzyme that is made by the body. Some people do not make enough lactase to break down lactose (milk sugar), so they may experience physical symptoms when consuming foods that contain lactose. This is often referred to as lactose intolerance.
Different people can handle different amounts of lactose, and there’s a solution to meet most needs in the dairy aisle – from lactose-free milk to dairy foods that are typically easier to digest. Many health authorities agree that milk and other dairy foods are an important and practical source of key nutrients, for all people – including those who are lactose intolerant. According to an expert panel organized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), eliminating dairy foods may not only be unnecessary to manage lactose intolerance, but could also lead to nutrient deficiencies that could result in negative health effects.
