FAQ

What foods contain lactose?

Since lactose is milk sugar, it’s found in dairy products and all other foods containing milk – unless they are lactose-free, of course. For most people, products such as milk and cream come to mind when thinking of products with lactose, but it’s also found in, for example, milk chocolate, ice cream, and many baked goods.

Is lactose a sugar?

Yes, lactose is a type of sugar that is found in milk and dairy products. It’s sometimes called milk sugar.

Is lactose a reducing sugar?

Yes, lactose belongs to the group of reducing sugars. In short, a reducing sugar can work as a reducing agent and donate electrons to other molecules.

What is lactose made of?

Lactose is a so-called disaccharide, which means that it consists of two sugars. Those two are glucose and galactose, and they are both monosaccharides. When the body digests the lactose, it’s broken down into glucose and galactose by the natural enzyme lactase.

Is lactose dairy?

Lactose is found in dairy products. If you want to avoid it in your diet, you can choose lactose-free alternatives. Arla LactoFREE is just like normal dairy products, but without the lactose.

If you want to avoid dairy in your diet, lactose free products won’t be enough as they still contain milk proteins, which are often what you need to avoid if you have, for example, milk allergy. Consult your doctor if this might be your case.

What is lactose monohydrate?

Lactose monohydrate is simply another name for what most people just call lactose, which is natural milk sugar.

Can you develop lactose intolerance?

It’s possible to develop lactose intolerance at any point in life. Primary lactose intolerance is caused by a genetic fault, but for many people, the symptoms don’t show until adulthood, which may make it seem like it’s developed later in life although it’s been there the whole time. Secondary lactose intolerance may develop in connection with medication or infections at any point in life as well as later in life because of the body’s gradual lowering of the production of the enzyme lactase.

Am I lactose intolerant?

You need to consult your doctor to get a correct diagnose as they can also be symptoms of many other things.

What does lactose intolerance mean?

The short – and obvious – definition of lactose intolerance is that it’s an intolerance to lactose. It means that if you suffer from lactose intolerance, you can’t digest lactose, which is found in dairy products.

What does lactose intolerant mean?

Being lactose intolerant means that you have lactose intolerance and therefore your body can’t break down lactose naturally.

What causes lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance can be hereditary or develop later in life. A natural decrease in the body’s production of the lactase enzyme causes it. It’s usually detected when an intolerant person starts experiencing symptoms after ingesting lactose. Consult your doctor or dietician for more information about this matter.

How long does secondary lactose intolerance last?

Please consult your doctor – any medical issue is individual.

How many people are lactose intolerant?

Lactose intolerance is very common, but it’s difficult to tell how many people are lactose intolerant as some never get the diagnose, and those who have it experience different symptoms to different degrees.

Is lactose intolerance genetic?

Congenital and primary lactose intolerance are genetic. Both forms are caused by a genetic fault that is passed on from the parents.

Are you born with lactose intolerance?

Some forms are genetic and therefore present from birth. However, many people don’t develop symptoms until adulthood.

Can lactose intolerance cause constipation?

Constipation can be a symptom of lactose intolerance, but it can also be a symptom of many other things, for example milk allergy, so always contact your doctor if you experience constipation or other symptoms.

Can lactose intolerance go away?

Secondary lactose intolerance is usually temporary as it’s triggered by, for example, medicine or infection and therefore goes away when the treatment is done. Contact your doctor if you want to know more about this.

What does lactose intolerance feel like?

If you’re lactose intolerant you might feel a discomfort after eating or drinking foods with lactose. This discomfort can be seen in many forms – please consult your doctor if you experience any discomfort.

What can I eat if I’m lactose intolerant?

If you’re lactose intolerant you can easily eat anything without lactose, but you might also tolerate smaller amounts of lactose such as milk in your coffee or cream used in a sauce. Most lactose intolerants can also eat hard cheeses and sour dairy as these products are naturally low in lactose. Of course, lactose-free products are also a good option as they allow you to follow your normal diet, just without the lactose. Please consult your doctor if you experience any discomfort.

What can’t lactose intolerant people eat?

If you’re lactose intolerant you should avoid foods with lactose. This means foods containing milk. For example, cream, ice cream, dressing, butter, and bread. Remember to consult your doctor or dietician if you suspect that you’re lactose intolerant. They can help you determine how big an amount of lactose you tolerate and advise you on your diet.