Which foods contain lactose: where milk sugar is found

Lactose is a disaccharide made of glucose and galactose residues that is found in milk and products made from it. Lactose is found not only in milk but also in many processed foods. Below is a list of where it occurs.

What lactose is and where it comes from

Lactose, or milk sugar, is a carbohydrate of the disaccharide group found in milk and dairy products. The molecule consists of glucose and galactose residues; it is obtained from milk whey. In the body it is broken down by the enzyme lactase, and when lactase is deficient, lactose remains in the intestine, binds water and causes diarrhea, while bacteria cause fermentation and bloating.

Which foods contain lactose: dairy products

The source of lactose is animal milk: cow, goat and sheep. Dairy products include milk, butter, cheese, cream, yogurt, ice cream.

Is there lactose in powdered milk and infant formula

There is no direct information about powdered milk in the available data, but lactose is found in milk and dairy products. Milk-based infant formulas contain a large amount of lactose — about 85%.

Where else lactose may be found

Many processed foods also contain lactose: muesli and chocolate breakfast cereals, bread, crackers, cakes, cookies and baked goods, sauces and salad dressings, diet and protein shakes. In pharmaceuticals, lactose is used as a filler.

• Milk, cream, butter, cheese, yogurt, ice cream
• Powdered milk and infant formula
• Muesli and chocolate breakfast cereals
• Bread, cookies, cakes, baked goods
• Sauces, dressings, protein shakes

How to tell whether lactose is present from a product's ingredients

Dairy ingredients in the composition of processed foods indicate the possible presence of lactose; for more on reading labels, consult a doctor or dietitian. If symptoms appear after eating, the doctor may suggest an elimination diet without lactose, blood tests, a hydrogen breath test, and for severe symptoms — gastroscopy with biopsy.

Lactose intolerance: when to see a doctor

Symptoms of lactose intolerance are abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, gas, rumbling, diarrhea or constipation, nausea and vomiting; there may be headaches, fatigue, joint and muscle pain. They appear minutes or hours after eating. The frequency of intolerance varies: about 3% of adults in Sweden and Denmark, 16% in Finland and Switzerland, 20–30% in England, 42% in France, in Russia on average 16–18%. You should see a doctor if symptoms recur after eating, changes in stool last 3 weeks, there is blood in the stool for 3 weeks, bloating and discomfort for 3 weeks, or unexplained weight loss.

This alone is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if the lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly swell, breathing is rapid or difficult, the throat tightens or swallowing is difficult, the skin, tongue or lips turn blue, pale or gray, sudden confusion, drowsiness or dizziness appears, the person faints and does not wake up, the child is lethargic and does not respond as usual.

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer