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We get asked many questions about lactose intolerance and realise that the only way for people to successfully manage this condition is to be as well informed as possible.

Here are two of the most common questions we get asked about lactose intolerance:

What are the main symptoms of lactose intolerance?

According to Dr Mayberry, a Consultant Physician and Professor in Gastroenterology, the most common symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence, which occur between 30 minutes and 2 hours after ingesting lactose.

What’s the difference between lactose intolerance and cows’ milk allergy?

‘When someone has a cows’ milk allergy their immune system has an abnormal reaction to milk proteins’, says Dr Mayberry. ‘When a person is lactose intolerant, their body does not have enough of the lactase enzyme, which is needed by the digestive system to break down the milk sugar lactose.’

Find more answers to common questions about lactose intolerance in our Your Questions Answered section or if you have any more questions, please let us know.