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
