Monday, November 10, 2008

Health Tip: Milk Allergy is Not Lactose Intolerance

How to tell the difference

What's the difference between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy?

The Nemours Foundation offers this primer:

  • Milk allergy is caused by an allergy to proteins in milk, while lactose intolerance is an inability to break down lactose, a sugar in milk.
  • Milk allergy most often occurs in infants, while lactose intolerance usually occurs later in life.
  • Milk allergy not only affects digestion, but also the skin and respiration. Lactose intolerance primarily affects digestion, causing symptoms including bloating, gas, and loose bowels.
  • Milk allergy has the potential to be life-threatening, while lactose intolerance is unpleasant but not dangerous.
By, Diana Kohnle at HealthDay News

No comments: