From the Guidelines
Cheese and yogurt do not affect individuals with lactose intolerance as severely when consumed with beef patties because they contain less lactose than milk, and the fermentation process in yogurt helps break down some of the lactose. The reason behind this reduced severity of symptoms can be attributed to the lower lactose content in cheese and yogurt compared to milk. During cheese production, most lactose is removed with the whey, leaving aged hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan with minimal lactose content 1. Yogurt, despite containing lactose, includes live bacterial cultures that produce lactase, the enzyme lactose intolerant people lack, which helps break down some of the lactose during digestion. Additionally, the fermentation process in yogurt pre-digests some lactose. Some key points to consider:
- The impact of dairy products on individuals with lactose intolerance can vary greatly depending on the type of dairy product consumed and the individual's level of lactose intolerance 1.
- Fermented dairy products, such as yogurt, have been shown to have beneficial effects on the intestinal flora, which may help alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance 1.
- Individual tolerance to lactose-containing products can vary, and some lactose intolerant people may still experience mild symptoms with these dairy products, especially with soft cheeses or flavored yogurts which contain more lactose. It is essential to note that while cheese and yogurt may cause fewer symptoms in lactose intolerant individuals, they can still trigger adverse reactions in highly sensitive individuals. For those who are highly sensitive, lactose-free versions of these products are available, or they can take lactase enzyme supplements before consumption to aid digestion.
From the Research
Lactose Intolerance and Dairy Consumption
- Lactose intolerance is a condition where individuals are unable to digest significant amounts of lactose due to a genetically inadequate amount of the enzyme lactase 2.
- Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal pain, bloating, excessive flatus, and watery stool following the ingestion of foods containing lactose 2.
Tolerance to Cheese and Yogurt
- Most lactose intolerant people are able to digest small amounts of milk and can consume cheese that contains no or only small amounts of lactose 3, 4.
- Yogurt is also well tolerated by lactose intolerant persons due to the presence of living lactic acid bacteria in fermented dairy products, which survive passage through the stomach and aid in lactose digestion 3.
- The lactose content of yogurt is usually lower than that of milk, making it a more tolerable option for individuals with lactose intolerance 3.
Consumption of Dairy Products with Other Foods
- There is no specific evidence to suggest that consuming cheese and yogurt with beef patties would affect individuals with lactose intolerance differently than consuming them alone.
- However, it is known that most individuals with lactose intolerance can tolerate up to 12 grams of lactose daily in a single dose, and that yogurts and cheeses with low amounts of lactose are part of a strategy that allows consumption of dairy products by patients with lactose intolerance 5.