Following a few emails we thought it was about time we outlined the difference between a Dairy Allergy and a Lactose Intolerance; so …
Dairy Allergy
This is an allergic reaction to certain proteins that are found in cows milk. Whilst some adults are affected it is more commonly found in children and is often grown out of by age 5.
There are many symptoms so as ever it is best to see your GP and get a referral to an allergy specialist. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, asthma, skin rashes, bloated or swollen stomach and headaches.
Lactose Intolerance
This is a reaction to the sugar found in cows milk and is common in adults and older children and more common than a Dairy Allergy.
The symptoms are caused by the bodies inability to break down and digest the sugar (lactose). This leads to stomach pains, bloating, diarrhoea and wind. The amount of lactose that can be tolerated can vary greatly between suffers.
What to avoid
The below list covers many of the dairy related products that you should aim to avoid:
- Butter (including buttermilk and butter oil)
- Cheese
- Curds
- Condensed Milk
- Casein
- Evaporated Milk
- Fromage Frais
- Ghee
- Hydroised Milk Protein
- Lactose
- Lactate
- Lactic Acid
- Soured Cream
- Whey
- Yoghurt
