People with lactose intolerance don’t make enough of an enzyme that allows them to digest milk sugar, so drinking milk leads to discomfort. Lactose-free milk can be consumed by lactose-intolerant people and has all the nutritional benefits of regular milk, including plenty of calcium and vitamin D.

Lactose Intolerance

People with lactose intolerance cannot make enough of an enzyme called lactase, which is needed for digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk. Consuming milk or other dairy products causes bloating, gas and diarrhea in people who have this condition. The symptoms usually occur 30 minutes to two hours after consuming milk. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lactose intolerance isn't dangerous, but people might need to stop consuming regular milk to avoid the lactose. Speak to your doctor if you have symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Lactose-Free Milk

Lactose-free milk is produced by adding lactase to regular milk during processing. The lactase breaks lactose down so it can be consumed by lactose-intolerant people. Otherwise, you'll need to take lactase tablets if you want to drink regular milk. Lactose-free milk is not suitable for a milk allergy diet because it still contains the proteins that trigger an allergic response.

Calcium and Vitamin D

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, avoiding milk can lead to deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D. Lactose-free milk enables lactose-intolerant people to get the calcium and vitamin D they need. Calcium is stored in your bones, which keeps them strong, but your body also needs it for normal blood clotting, nervous system function and muscle contraction. Vitamin D is needed for your body to absorb and utilize calcium, so it's also essential for strong bones and teeth. Your body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun, but it's often added to milk.

Riboflavin and Protein

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, avoiding milk can also lead to a shortage of riboflavin and protein. Riboflavin is a B-complex vitamin, also known as vitamin B-2, which your body needs to produce energy from the foods you eat. Protein is needed for building and maintaining organs and tissues, and for normal immune system function. Drinking lactose-free milk helps ensure lactose-intolerant people consume enough of these nutrients.

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