WHEY PROTEIN AND LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

What is it?

Defined by the Mayo Clinic as someone who is unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk. Those with lactose intolerance lack the enzyme lactase for complete digestion of lactose.

Frequency

According to the NIH, about 65% of the human population have the reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy.

Signs & Symptoms

– Abdominal Bloating

– Diarrhea

– Gas

– Nausea

Can I Still Have Whey Protein if I’m Lactose Intolerant?

Whey protein isolate contains little or no lactose.* Milk proteins are generally made up of two components, whey and casein. Casein, a slow-digesting protein product that curds in your stomach, is more commonly associated with milk allergy, compared to whey. Whey protein isolate is commonly used in preparation of lactose intolerant recipes.

*Always be sure to read the ingredient label, and check with the manufacturer if needed, to verify the whey protein product contains little or no lactose.