What is lactose?
Lactose is a sugar found in animal milk. It is a disaccharide, meaning it is made up of two simple sugar molecules (glucose and galactose). In order for lactose to be easily absorbed by our bodies, the lactose molecule must be broken down into two parts, thereby producing two simple sugars which can then be easily digested.
This labourious process is carried out by an enzyme called lactase (a protein).
Young children usually digest dairy products easily because their bodies produce sufficient amounts of lactase. However, the body’s production of this enzyme decreases with age, which is why many adults experience troublesome digestive problems when consuming dairy products.
Consequently, many people are no longer able to consume dairy products on a regular basis. This is because they are unable to digest and metabolise lactose. This condition is known as lactose intolerance. Poor absorption of lactose can lead to a range of symptoms, such as bloating, diarrhoea, flatulence and abdominal pain…
What should you do if you are lactose intolerant?
Lactose-free milk and lactose-free dairy products are, of course, a solution to the problems caused by this lactase deficiency.
However, it is important to bear in mind that cutting dairy products out of one’s diet can compromise the intake of certain essential nutrients and, in particular, increase the risk of calcium deficiency.
BIONOLA has selected a range of flavourful cheeses that are guaranteed to be lactose-free.