Lactose Intolerance

Understand what lactose intolerance is, its common symptoms, causes, diagnosis methods, and how to manage it with dietary tips and treatment options.
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3 min
20-May-2025

A scoop of ice cream or a glass of milk may be harmless to most—but if you often feel bloated, gassy, or uncomfortable after dairy, you might be dealing with lactose intolerance. It’s one of the most common yet often misunderstood digestive conditions, affecting millions worldwide, including infants.

Understanding what lactose is, how your body reacts to it, and what signs to look out for can help you manage symptoms, eat smarter, and prevent complications.

Pro tip: Testing, dietary consults, and even outpatient treatments for lactose intolerance can be covered under certain health insurance plans. Explore plans starting at Rs. 9.3/day* for Rs. 10 lakh cover

Disclaimer: *T&C Apply. #Insurance premium indicated is for healthy male aged 18 years and is exclusive of tax.

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue that occurs when your body struggles to break down lactose—a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. While many people have reduced ability to digest lactose, only some experience noticeable symptoms. When these symptoms appear after consuming dairy, the condition is referred to as lactose intolerance.

What is lactose malabsorption?

Lactose malabsorption refers to the body's reduced ability to digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. This condition occurs when the small intestine produces low levels of lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose. While not everyone with lactose malabsorption shows symptoms, it can lead to what's commonly known as lactose disease, or lactose intolerance.

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Nutrition

What Is the difference between lactose malabsorption and lactose intolerance?

Lactose malabsorption and lactose intolerance are closely related but not identical. Lactose malabsorption is the physical condition in which the body produces insufficient lactase enzyme, leading to poor absorption of lactose in the gut. However, not all individuals with lactose malabsorption experience symptoms.

When lactose malabsorption leads to symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhoea, or stomach cramps after consuming dairy, it is referred to as lactose intolerance—commonly labelled as lactose disease in everyday terms. So, while lactose malabsorption describes the underlying digestive issue, lactose intolerance (or lactose disease) describes the symptomatic experience that affects daily comfort and dietary choices.

Types of lactose intolerance:

  • Primary: Most common—develops with age as lactase production drops.
  • Secondary: Caused by illness or injury to the small intestine (e.g., after infections or surgery).
  • Congenital or developmental: Rare, but can affect newborns (called lactose intolerance in newborns).

Common symptoms of lactose intolerance

Symptoms can show up within 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating dairy. Here’s what to look for:

  • Bloating or swelling in the stomach
  • Stomach cramps or pain
  • Excessive gas or flatulence
  • Diarrhea or loose stools
  • Nausea (sometimes with vomiting)
  • Gurgling sounds in the stomach

These symptoms may vary in intensity depending on how much lactose-containing food you’ve consumed and your body’s tolerance level.

Even mild symptoms over time can affect gut health. Early testing for lactose intolerance can help you plan your diet and avoid nutrient loss.

What causes lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is mainly caused by two factors: lactose malabsorption and gut sensitivity. The most significant contributor is lactose malabsorption—when your small intestine can’t properly break down and absorb lactose. This undigested lactose then moves into the large intestine, causing discomfort.

Lactase deficiency

To digest lactose, your body needs an enzyme called lactase, produced in the small intestine. While most infants produce plenty of lactase to digest breast milk, production often declines with age. Without enough lactase, lactose can’t be fully broken down and absorbed, leading to symptoms of what’s often referred to as lactose disease. Although some people continue to produce lactase into adulthood, most adults globally have reduced levels, resulting in lactose malabsorption.

Your gut’s role

Gut sensitivity also plays a role. Many people consume substances—like certain fibers and sugars—that aren’t fully digested but are tolerated in small amounts. However, individual differences in gut microbiome, genetics, intestinal health, and diet determine how well your body can handle lactose. Your personal symptoms are the best guide to understanding how much lactose you can tolerate.

Foods to avoid if you have lactose intolerance

Knowing the foods that contain lactose is key to managing your symptoms. Here’s what to avoid or limit:

High-lactose foods:

  • Milk (cow, buffalo, goat)
  • Ice cream and milkshakes
  • Soft cheeses like cream cheese, paneer, ricotta
  • Yogurt (unless labeled lactose-free)
  • Baked goods made with milk
  • Processed foods with milk solids, whey, or casein

Hidden sources:

  • Protein powders
  • Instant soups or sauces
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Chocolates and creamy desserts
  • Medications with lactose fillers

Insurance plans with diet consult benefits can help you build a personalized dairy-free diet. Get covered today with OPD and dietician support included.

How is lactose intolerance diagnosed

Diagnosing lactose intolerance starts with a clinical evaluation and is often confirmed through specific tests. Here's how doctors approach it:

Testing for Lactose Intolerance:

  • Lactose Tolerance Test: Measures how your body processes lactose via blood glucose levels.
  • Hydrogen Breath Test: Most common—detects hydrogen gas after consuming lactose (a by-product of poor digestion).
  • Stool Acidity Test: Used mainly in infants and toddlers to detect lactose malabsorption.
  • Elimination Diet: Removing lactose-rich foods to see if symptoms improve.

Worried about cost? Many health insurance plans cover outpatient diagnostics including breath and tolerance tests. Compare affordable coverage options.

Best dietary tips and treatment options for lactose intolerance

There’s no permanent cure, but lactose intolerance treatment focuses on managing symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes.

Dietary tips:

  • Switch to lactose-free milk or plant-based alternatives (like almond, soy, oat milk)
  • Choose aged cheeses (like cheddar or parmesan) that have less lactose
  • Read food labels carefully—look for “lactose-free” or “dairy-free” tags
  • Include calcium-rich non-dairy foods like spinach, almonds, sesame, and fortified juices
  • Take lactase enzyme tablets before meals, as advised by your doctor

Medical support:

  • Digestive enzyme supplements
  • Probiotic support
  • Monitoring vitamin D and calcium levels
  • Regular follow-ups with a gastroenterologist or dietician

Your long-term gut health matters. Opt for health insurance that covers dietary counselling, enzyme prescriptions, and specialist consults. 

Conclusion

Lactose intolerance isn’t a disease—it’s a manageable condition. By recognizing your body’s signs, adjusting your diet, and staying informed, you can live symptom-free while still enjoying your meals.

From testing for lactose intolerance to expert dietary guidance, early action is key to long-term comfort and nutritional health.

Don’t let daily discomfort go unchecked. Get a health plan that supports digestive care, OPD visits, and personalized treatments

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Frequently asked questions

Can lactose intolerance develop later in life?

Yes, lactose intolerance can develop with age as your body naturally produces less lactase. Many adults begin experiencing symptoms in their 20s or 30s, especially after illness, surgery, or gut infections.

What are the alternatives to milk for lactose intolerant individuals?

Lactose-intolerant individuals can switch to plant-based milks like almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. Lactose-free cow’s milk is also available and fortified with calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.

Is lactose intolerance the same as a milk allergy?

No, they’re different. Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue caused by lack of lactase enzyme, while milk allergy is an immune response to milk proteins. Allergies can be life-threatening; intolerance is typically uncomfortable but not dangerous.

How can I manage lactose intolerance with diet?

You can manage lactose intolerance by limiting or avoiding dairy products containing lactose, such as milk, cheese, and ice cream. Opt for lactose-free alternatives like plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat), or choose hard cheeses and yogurt, which are often easier to digest. You may also take lactase enzyme supplements before consuming dairy to help break down lactose.

Can lactose intolerance go away?

Lactose intolerance typically doesn’t go away, especially if it’s genetically inherited. However, some people may tolerate small amounts of lactose over time, especially with dietary adjustments or gut health improvements. Temporary lactose intolerance (e.g., due to infection or gut inflammation) may resolve once the underlying issue heals.

What happens if you ignore lactose intolerance?

Ignoring lactose intolerance and continuing to consume dairy can lead to ongoing symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Chronic exposure may also irritate the gut and affect your quality of life by causing discomfort after meals.

Are there any long-term consequences of lactose intolerance?

While lactose intolerance itself doesn’t cause long-term damage, nutritional deficiencies may develop if dairy is avoided without proper replacements. Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are common risks, which may impact bone health. It's important to get these nutrients from non-dairy sources or supplements.

Is lactose intolerance an allergy?

No, lactose intolerance is not an allergy. It is a digestive issue caused by the inability to break down lactose due to low levels of the enzyme lactase. In contrast, a milk allergy is an immune system response to proteins in milk and can be life-threatening.

What is the difference between lactose intolerance vs. milk allergy?
  • Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition caused by lactase deficiency, leading to symptoms like gas, bloating, and diarrhoea.
  • Milk allergy is an immune reaction to milk proteins (like casein or whey) and can cause hives, swelling, vomiting, or even anaphylaxis. Milk allergy is more serious and may occur even with small exposures.What is the difference between lactose intolerance vs. milk protein intolerance?
What is the difference between lactose intolerance vs. milk protein intolerance?
  • Lactose intolerance involves difficulty digesting lactose (milk sugar) due to low lactase levels.
  • Milk protein intolerance (often seen in infants) is a non-allergic sensitivity to proteins like casein. It can cause digestive symptoms (e.g., reflux, blood in stool) but doesn't involve an immune reaction like a milk allergy.
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