People with lactose intolerance or milk allergies typically cannot drink milk.
Here's a breakdown of why:
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Lactose Intolerance:
- Lactose intolerance means the body has difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
- This happens when the small intestine doesn't produce enough lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose.
- Undigested lactose leads to symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- The severity varies; some lactose-intolerant individuals can tolerate small amounts of dairy, especially fermented products like yogurt.
-
Milk Allergy:
- A milk allergy is an immune system reaction to proteins in milk, most commonly casein or whey.
- Symptoms can range from mild (hives, itching, stomach upset) to severe and life-threatening (anaphylaxis).
- Unlike lactose intolerance, even a tiny amount of milk can trigger an allergic reaction.
- Milk allergies are most common in infants and young children, but some people remain allergic throughout their lives.
In summary, individuals with lactose intolerance experience digestive discomfort after consuming milk, while those with a milk allergy have an immune response that can be dangerous. Therefore, both groups should avoid or severely limit milk consumption.
