ALG-002
Lactose (Dairy)
Allergen · Also: Milk sugar · Milk · Dairy · Whey · Casein · Cream · Butter
The sugar naturally present in milk and dairy products. Also refers to milk protein allergy (casein, whey). Lactose intolerance affects the digestive system while milk allergy is an immune response.
Found in
Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, Butter, Cream, Ice cream, Chocolate, Baked goods, Processed foods, Whey protein
Daily intake limit
Varies — complete avoidance required for milk allergy
Body systems affected
Digestive
Bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps in lactose intolerant individuals due to undigested lactose fermenting in the colon
Immune
Milk protein allergy triggers IgE-mediated reactions including hives, wheezing, and in severe cases anaphylaxis
What the research says
Lactose intolerance varies by ethnicity, affecting ~5% of Northern Europeans but up to 90% of East Asians. Milk allergy affects ~2-3% of infants. Both conditions require avoidance of dairy products.
Allergenic potential: High — Major regulated allergen. Milk allergy is common in infants and young children
Metabolic effects: Reduced calcium absorption if dairy is avoided without supplementation
FDA Milk must be declared on food labels
EFSA Major allergen — mandatory EU labelling
WHO Recognised allergen requiring labelling
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