Lactose Intolerance News and Research

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Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the major sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance is caused by a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells that line the small intestine. Lactase breaks down milk sugar into two simpler forms of sugar called glucose and galactose, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Not all people deficient in lactase have the symptoms commonly associated with lactose intolerance, but those who do are said to have lactose intolerance.

People sometimes confuse lactose intolerance with cow’s milk intolerance because the symptoms are often the same. However, lactose intolerance and cow’s milk intolerance are not related. Being intolerant to cow’s milk is an allergic reaction triggered by the immune system. Lactose intolerance is a problem caused by the digestive system.

“Natural” and “healthy” labels may confuse shoppers more than help

Study reveals that front-of-pack labels alone can't ensure healthy choices, as perceptions of naturalness and processing shape consumer behavior.

15 Apr 2026

Pediatric experts say plain yogurt is safe from 6 months and belongs in a baby’s diet

An expert panel review says plain, whole yogurt with no added sugar or sweeteners can be introduced from 6 months as part of complementary feeding, provided it does not replace breast milk or infant formula as the main source of nutrition. It also explains that yogurt provides live microorganisms and key nutrients, is generally well tolerated, and helps address common myths about inflammation, mucus, acne, sugar, and safety.

2 Apr 2026

Analyzing the decision drivers in modern coffee culture

For many coffee drinkers, choosing milk for their coffee shop order often involves navigating a growing list of choices, each carrying different expectations around taste, digestibility, cost, and more.

10 Mar 2026

Study clarifies why most colic isn’t caused by cow’s milk allergy

Cow’s milk allergy rarely causes infant colic on its own, and most excessively crying infants do not have underlying allergy. A short elimination–and–rechallenge trial may help confirm CMA only when colic coexists with other allergic features.

19 Nov 2025

Dash diet cuts diabetes complications by targeting blood pressure kidney health and inflammation

The DASH diet supports metabolic health in people with diabetes by improving blood pressure, renal function, lipids, and modest glycemic markers while reducing risks linked to vascular and inflammatory pathways. Its broad nutrient-driven mechanisms also benefit related conditions such as neuropathy, PCOS, and retinopathy, making it a versatile tool for cardiometabolic care.

16 Nov 2025

Non-standard baby formula linked to faster infant growth

The use of non-standard infant formulas is associated with higher growth rates in the first year, necessitating further research on long-term health effects.

8 Oct 2025

Study assesses the efficacy of protein hydrolysis in developing gut-friendly dairy alternatives

A recent Finnish study investigated the effects of A2 milk, marketed as a gut-friendly alternative, and protein-hydrolyzed lactose-free milk on gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammation levels. The study found that protein-hydrolyzed lactose-free milk was as tolerated as A2 milk by lactose-tolerant individuals and better tolerated by lactose-intolerant individuals.

30 Sep 2025

Nutrition professionals in Spain and Portugal support plant-based dairy alternatives

The European Food Information Council (EUFIC) has released the final research reports of its survey exploring how nutrition professionals in Spain and Portugal view plant-based dairy alternatives (PBDAs) such as soy, oat, almond, rice, and coconut-based drinks and yoghurts.

21 Aug 2025

Is lactose intolerance secretly stealing your restful sleep?

Researchers surveyed over 1,000 university students and found that lactose intolerance, especially when accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, is linked to more frequent nightmares and poor sleep. Only a small minority reported that food affected their dreams, highlighting a specific risk for those with food sensitivities.

1 Jul 2025

Probiotics remain potent in simple plant-based drinks

Non-encapsulated probiotics thrive in fruit and vegetable juices, maintaining viability and sensory appeal, paving the way for innovative functional beverages.

24 Jun 2025

Could your milk choice affect migraines?

Skim milk consumption is linked to a lower prevalence of migraines in U.S. adults, according to a large NHANES-based study. The association remained significant even after adjusting for lifestyle, diet, and demographic factors.

9 Apr 2025

Colorectal cancer burden climbs in countries with low milk intake

A global study finds that low milk intake is linked to increased colorectal cancer burden, especially in older adults. Prostate cancer rates showed negative trends, though the findings may reflect model limitations rather than protective effects.

26 Mar 2025

Probiotic drink kefir shows promise in preventing Alzheimer’s

Kefir, a probiotic-rich fermented milk, shows potential in reducing neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and beta-amyloid buildup, suggesting a role in Alzheimer’s prevention and management. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness in human patients.

17 Mar 2025

U.S. consumers still unaware of raw milk risks despite bird flu findings

Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) located H5N1 bird flu virus in samples of raw, or unpasteurized, milk in tests in four states in April 2024, and bird flu has been detected in commercially sold raw milk, many Americans do not know that consuming raw milk and its products poses greater health risks than consuming pasteurized milk and its products, especially for children.

14 Mar 2025