Lactose Intolerance Vs. Cows’ Milk Allergy
Do you regularly experience digestive discomfort? If the answer is yes, then you could be one of the many people who are thought to be lactose intolerant.
You can be born with lactose intolerance or it more commonly develops at a later age, but the good news is that it’s easy to diagnose and control using our Lactose Elimination Diet.
Lactose is the sugar found in milk, which can commonly cause digestive problems. These problems occur when the body is unable to produce enough of the lactase enzyme in the digestive tract and without this enzyme the lactose cannot be digested properly.
Symptoms experienced by people with lactose intolerance include:
• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting
An allergy to cows’ milk is often confused with lactose intolerance and it’s important to distinguish between the two. Cows’ milk allergy, which is likely to occur from birth, is a reaction to one or more proteins found in milk triggered by the immune system that can cause serious reactions in some cases.
Lactose intolerance does not involve the immune system, so while it can cause a great deal of discomfort, it won’t produce a dangerous reaction.
Symptoms experienced by people with cows’ milk allergy include:
• Diarrhoea
• Bloody stools
• Vomiting
• Eczema
• Urticaria (hives)
• Angioedema (rashes)
• Wheezing
• Growth faltering/weight loss (particularly in children)
If you think you may have a cows’ milk allergy, you should seek advice from your GP or a registered dietitian.
Comments (2)
Jack Edwards
I sufferfrom GORD’s and lactose intolerance-will your lactofree help in my casex
Lactofree Support
Thank you for your query regarding Lactofree. We have consulted our medical advisory board who have informed us that as you are lactose intolerant, Lactofree will help relieve your lactose intolerance symptoms. Try the elimination diet to see if your symptoms improve. GORD's is a completely separate condition and we suggest you consult your GP for more information on this.