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Can You Become Lactose Intolerant? Learn How Age Factors In
“Can you become lactose intolerant?” I get this question many times when I am counseling patients. Let’s dive into the complexity, or simplicity, of lactose intolerance.
Key Takeaways:
Yes, you can become lactose intolerant later in life as your body naturally makes less of the lactase enzyme.
Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue, not a milk allergy, and symptoms often include gas, bloating, and stomach discomfort after eating dairy.
Many people who are lactose intolerant can still enjoy dairy by choosing lactose-free milk, aged cheeses, and yogurt with live cultures.
Can You Become Lactose Intolerant?
The simple answer to this common question is, yes, you can become lactose intolerant as you age. We are all born with an enzyme called lactase, which is needed to break down the sugar (lactose) found in milk. The amount of lactase we produce decreases as we age. Some adults do not make enough lactase as they get older and become lactose intolerant.
Lactose intolerance can cause digestive discomfort such as gas, bloating, and cramping. It’s important to understand that lactose intolerance is not a milk allergy. You can still enjoy dairy and all the delicious dairy foods like ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate milk, and more. Most importantly, you can reap the health benefits of dairy like calcium, vitamin D, and protein that our bodies need, especially as we age.
Lactose-Intolerant-Friendly Dairy (Lactose-Free Dairy Products)
My patients are always very happy to learn they can add dairy back into their diet because there are many lactose-free and low-lactose dairy foods available. For example, naturally aged cheeses like Cheddar, Monterrey jack, Swiss, and provolone are lactose-free and easy to digest. I always tell my patients that any cheese you can slice is a safe bet.
Also, lactose-free milk is widely available at the grocery store. Many people ask me if lactose-free milk is “real milk.” Lactose-free milk is real dairy milk that has the lactase enzyme added to break down the lactose, making it easy to digest.
Another good dairy option is yogurt (plain, flavored, or Greek). The live active cultures found in yogurt help digest the lactose.
So if you have become lactose intolerant, don’t ditch the dairy, just choose the right dairy for you. Read more information on lactose intolerance and some great lactose-free recipes.
FAQs About Lactose Intolerance
Q: Can you become lactose intolerant as you get older?
A: Yes. Many people develop lactose intolerance over time because their bodies make less lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose in dairy foods.
Q: How is lactose intolerance different from a milk allergy?
A: Lactose intolerance affects digestion when the body cannot break down lactose, while a milk allergy is an immune reaction to milk proteins and can be more serious.
Q: Can people with lactose intolerance still have dairy?
A: Often, yes. Many can enjoy lactose-free milk, aged cheeses, and yogurt with live cultures, which are easier to digest but still provide dairy’s taste and nutrients.
Rachel Brandeis has been a registered dietitian for 18 years. She owns Personalized Nutrition Counseling, a private practice in Atlanta that helps clients use nutrition to achieve their optimum health. Rachel is a past spokesperson for The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, representing more than 60,000 Registered Dietitians to the national media. She has appeared as a nutrition expert in numerous national print, TV, radio, and online outlets including CNN, NPR, The Washington Post, USA Today, Ladies’ Home Journal, Glamour, Fitness, Parents, and Shape, among others.
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