Can you absorb nutrients from milk if you're lactose intolerant?

Nov 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

In general, individuals with lactose intolerance can still absorb nutrients from drinking milk. Lactose intolerance is primarily caused by a deficiency of lactase in the body. Although they cannot fully digest and absorb the lactose in milk, other nutritional components such as calcium, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, and minerals can still be absorbed by the body.

Generally speaking, individuals with lactose intolerance can still absorb nutrients from drinking milk, although it may affect the absorption of other nutrients. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Lactose intolerance is primarily caused by a deficiency of lactase enzyme in the body. Although affected individuals cannot fully digest and absorb the lactose in milk, milk also contains other nutrients such as calcium, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, and minerals, which can still be absorbed by the body. These nutrients are highly beneficial for maintaining overall health and promoting well-being.

However, people with lactose intolerance may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea after consuming milk, which could lead to gastrointestinal disturbances and subsequently impair the absorption of other nutrients. It is recommended to choose low-lactose or lactose-free milk, or consume milk together with food to slow down digestion and reduce discomfort.

In daily life, individuals with lactose intolerance may try drinking small amounts of milk multiple times a day, allowing the digestive system to gradually adapt. They should also maintain a balanced diet and consume more foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients, which are beneficial for health.

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What formula milk is better for people with lactose intolerance?

Generally, lactose intolerance refers to a condition where the human body lacks sufficient lactase enzyme or has reduced lactase activity, leading to an inability to effectively break down consumed lactose into monosaccharides for absorption and utilization by the body, thereby triggering a series of gastrointestinal symptoms. Individuals with lactose intolerance are advised to consume lactose-free formula, low-lactose formula, goat's milk formula, hydrolyzed protein formula, or soy protein formula.

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What kind of milk can people with lactose intolerance drink?

In general, individuals with lactose intolerance lack the enzyme required to metabolize lactose, and therefore cannot effectively digest the lactose present in milk, which may lead to discomforts such as diarrhea and bloating. People with lactose intolerance can consume lactose-free milk, hydrolyzed milk, soy milk, coconut milk, oat milk, etc. It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and increase the intake of foods rich in fiber and vitamins, which is beneficial for maintaining intestinal health.