Facts about Lactose Intolerance

What is Lactose?

Lactose, also known as milk sugar, is a natural part of milk, which contributes to about 4.6% of the milk’s volume. Lactose is not a sweet sugar, which is why milk does not taste very sweet. Lactose is made up of two smaller sugars, glucose and galactose, that are linked together.

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose is a natural part of the milk of all mammals, including goats' milk, human and cows' milk. People with lactose intolerance cannot fully digest lactose. Our bodies usually produce a substance called lactase, which digests lactose. If your body cannot produce enough lactase, you could become lactose intolerant.

What Are The Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?

People who do not have enough lactase to digest all the lactose in their food get stomach bloating, cramps, gas and/or diarrhea when they drink milk. The severity, and sometimes nature, of symptoms may change with age This condition is not the same as a milk allergy. If you are allergic to milk, you should not have any milk or products made with milk. If you have lactose intolerance you may be able to have some milk or milk products in your diet. You should consult a doctor if you are lactose intolerant.

Who Has Lactose Intolerance?

In most populations, particularly those where milk consumption after infancy is traditionally uncommon, enzyme levels fall during childhood, e.g. Southern Europe, Asia, the Middle East and parts of Africa. However, lactose intolerance can occur in any population, or in any age group. An estimated 25% Canadians are lactose intolerant.

What Causes It?

There are two major causes of lactose intolerance: It may be genetic, in which case it is permanent, or it may be temporary, caused by an illness or a bout of diarrhea or after taking certain medications. If it is temporary the body will be able to digest lactose again after it recovers.

Can People with Lactose Intolerance Still Drink Milk?

Depending on the severity of their symptoms, some people who are lactose intolerant can consume moderate amounts of milk. But, everyone is different. The only way to know how much lactose you can tolerate is to talk to your doctor.

Can Babies Be Lactose Intolerant?

It is rare for newborn babies to be diagnosed as lactose intolerant because the lactase enzyme reaches its maximum level in the human intestine soon after birth and declines after age 3 ½. Symptoms of insufficient lactase may not begin to show up until after this age. However, if your baby has any of the following symptoms you should check with your doctor: Colic, persistent crying, spitting up (reflux), gas, loose stools, Eczema, ear infections.

How Do I Know if I Have It?

If you think you or your child might be lactose intolerant, ask your doctor to order tests for an accurate diagnosis. Why Is Lactose Intolerance a Health Concern? The inability to digest and absorb lactose can lead to irritation of the lining of the intestines. This irritation can lead to a weakened digestive system that exposes you to future systemic disorders. In addition to an inability to absorb needed nutrients, a weakened digestive system is more susceptible to attack by parasites, yeast and pathogenic bacteria, which can worsen problems in your intestines and potentially expose you to chronic disease.

How Important is Real Milk in My Diet?

Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating (Health Canada) is designed to help Canadians make wise food choices. The Food Guide translates the science of healthy eating into a practical pattern of food choices that meets nutrient needs, promotes health and minimizes the risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases. With respect to Milk and Milk Products, the Guide recommends the following:

How Can I Keep Milk in My Diet if I’m Lactose Intolerant?

Most experts agree that the nutritional value and great taste of real milk cannot be replicated. It is particularly important for growing children and aging adults to ensure the development and maintenance of strong bones and general good health and well-being. While lactose-free milk is widely available, up until now, lactose intolerant consumers have not been able to enjoy the wholesomeness of real, lactose-free organic milk. Organic Meadow has changed all that with the launch of its newest organic milk product – lactose-free organic milk which offers all of the same nutritional value found in its regular organic milk products, without the lactose that can cause sufferers pain and discomfort.

How is Organic Meadow Lactose Free Milk Made?

Certified organic milk is put into a tank and a very low level, about 200ppm (0.02%), of lactase enzyme is added. Over the next 24 hours the lactase breaks down the lactose sugar into glucose and galactose. Every gram of lactose is broken down into ½ gram glucose and ½ gram galactose so the carbohydrate content of the milk stays the same. Since the glucose produced is much sweeter than lactose, the milk tastes sweeter even though no sugar has been added. This process breaks up the lactose that your own digestive system can not.

How “Lactose Free” is Organic Meadow’s Lactose Free Milk?

Organic Meadow’s Lactose Free milk is 99.6% lactose free.

Is It Still Good For You?

Nothing comes close to matching the taste, texture and nutritional value of real milk. Organic Meadow Lactose Free 2% Organic Milk provides the same nutritional value as its regular 2% milk.

Where Can I Get It?

To locate a store near you, visit our store locator on our website at www.organicmeadow.com