Milk intolerances and milk allergies are both common conditions, and many people believe they are the same thing. However, they are two different conditions, although some of the symptoms of the two conditions overlap. Here is an overview of each of the conditions, the symptoms of a milk allergy and milk intolerances, the causes, and how they are treated.
What is Milk Intolerance and What Causes This Condition?
Milk intolerance, also known as lactose intolerance, is a digestive problem where the body is unable to digest the lactose in food. The NHS says that lactose is a type of sugar that is mainly found in milk and other dairy products.
In humans, lactose in dairy products is broken down by a substance produced in the body called lactase. This substance breaks down the lactose into glucose and galactose, which are two types of sugars. These sugars are easily absorbed into the bloodstream.
Some people do not produce enough lactase to break down the lactose, so the lactose remains in the digestive system and is fermented by bacteria. In turn, this produces various gases, and it is these that cause the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Although some cases of milk intolerance are permanent, some people only suffer from this condition in the short term. How long a person suffers from this intolerance depends on the underlying cause. Cases that develop in adults are often inherited and lifelong, while the cause of childhood cases is often a digestive system infection and may pass after just a few weeks.
What Are the Symptoms of Milk Intolerance?
The symptoms of milk intolerance can vary from one person to the next, and the severity of the symptoms may differ between individuals and can depend on the amount of lactose consumed. Some of the typical symptoms of lactose intolerance may include:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick
- Stomach rumbling
It is important to note that just because you are experiencing these symptoms, it does not mean that you are suffering from milk intolerance as these symptoms are also associated with many other conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
What is a Milk Allergy and What Causes This Condition?
Although many people think that a milk intolerance and a milk allergy are the same things, they are different conditions. Whereas a milk intolerance is the body’s inability to break down lactose, a milk allergy is an immune system response to milk and milk products. Usually, this condition is triggered only by cow’s milk, although some people also react to milk from other animals, such as buffalo, goats, and sheep.
A milk allergy is one of the most common allergies in children. It is also a condition that can affect adults, even if they have not suffered from a milk allergy as a child. There are two proteins in milk, and people can have an allergy to either one or both of these proteins.
Just like any other allergy, a milk allergy is caused by a malfunction in the immune system. The immune system response causes the body to produce immunoglobulin and to release histamines. It is the release of the histamines that causes the symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of a Milk Allergy?
The symptoms of a milk allergy can vary greatly in both the type of symptoms and severity. It is also worth noting that some people have symptoms immediately, but it is also possible to have a delayed reaction. This means that the symptoms may not occur immediately after consuming milk or milk products.
There are even some surprising symptoms that you may not immediately associate with a milk allergy, says Switch4good. Some symptoms of a milk allergy may include:
- Hives and skin rashes
- Tingling and itching around the mouth
- Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Anxiety
- Anaphylaxis- in severe cases
Diagnosis: How Do You Know If You Have a Milk Allergy or Milk Intolerance?
If you suspect that you are suffering from lactose intolerance or a milk allergy, then the best way to identify if this is an issue is to see your doctor. They can run tests to check if you are intolerant or allergic to milk and milk products.
Even if you are suffering from many of the symptoms, there may be another cause. To identify the issue, it is likely that the doctor will need to evaluate your medical history and ask about your lifestyle. They may also ask you to keep a food diary.
It is a good idea to keep a food diary even before you go to see your doctor, and your finings can help them to make a diagnosis. Write down everything you eat, what symptoms you suffer, and when these symptoms occur.
If you think that milk is the issue, remove milk and milk products from your diet for a couple of weeks to see if your symptoms improve. After a few weeks, reintroduce milk products into your diet. If your symptoms flare up again, then it is likely that either lactose intolerance or a milk allergy is the cause.
What Changes Do You Need to Make If You Suffer from Dairy Intolerances or Allergies?
For both lactose intolerance and milk allergies, prevention is better than cure. The simplest way to resolve the issue is to avoid milk and all milk products. Following a dairy-free diet will prevent you from suffering from the symptoms. If you enjoy dairy products, look for dairy-free alternatives that you can use in your cooking.
When you buy pre-prepared meals, always check the dietary advice on the back as some foods that you would not expect to contain any milk products may have a small amount of a milk product as one of their ingredients. This may trigger a reaction.
In a severe reaction to milk products, a patient needs immediate medical attention. Antihistamines, adrenalin, and other medications are often needed to counteract the more serious symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis.
Foods to Avoid If You Suffer from a Milk Allergies or a Milk Intolerance
It is common sense to remove milk from your diet if you suffer from a milk allergy. However, many people forget about other food products that also contain milk. According to Hopkins Medicine, some of the foods you should avoid if you are following a dairy-free diet include:
- Butter
- Ghee
- Condensed milk
- All varieties of cheese
- Soured cream
- Crème Fraiche
- Cream
- Yoghurt
- Egg nog
- Milkshakes
- Powdered milk products
- Many types of bread
- Some biscuits
- Margarine
- Custard
- Many processed meals
- Frozen French fries with lactose
- Fudge
- Caramels
- Battered products
Milk Intolerances and Milk Allergies- The Bottom Line
Although people think that milk intolerances and allergies are the same, they are two very different conditions. However, there are some shared symptoms of both conditions. Keeping a diary of the foods you consume and any symptoms will help you to identify the problem. However, you will need to see your doctor for a definitive diagnosis and to eliminate any other underlying causes of your symptoms. Anyone who suffers from lactose intolerance or a milk allergy should avoid milk and all food products containing milk by following a dairy-free diet.
Milk Allergies, Milk Intolerance, and Our Recipes
All the recipes on The Fruity Tart have a useful information box. This will tell you whether the recipe is dairy-free or not. We have provided this information to help people with a milk allergy or milk intolerance. Some of the recipes are not dairy-free, but you may find a useful tip to adapt the recipe in the additional tips section below the recipe instructions. We hope you find this useful.
Updated August 2022.