Andy Montoya
Lactose intolerance is a common condition, affecting an estimated 30 million Americans. It is caused by the body's inability to produce lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, the main sugar found in milk. While those with severe lactose intolerance should avoid dairy altogether, people with mild lactose intolerance may be able to consume small amounts of goat's milk and its by-products, such as cheese. Goat's milk contains less lactose than cow's milk, and the lactose is further broken down during the cheese-making process, making goat cheese a delicious, low-lactose option for those with lactose intolerance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese contains lactose | Yes |
| Amount of lactose in goat cheese | Significantly less than cow's cheese |
| Goat cheese safe for lactose intolerant people | Yes, especially aged goat cheese |
| Amount of lactose in goat milk | 4.2% |
| Amount of lactose in cow milk | 5% |
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What You'll Learn
Goat's milk contains less lactose than cow's milk
Lactose intolerance is a condition where the body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This inability to digest lactose is due to a deficiency in lactase, an enzyme produced by the body to break down lactose. While many people are lactose intolerant, the condition varies in severity, and some people may only experience mild symptoms.
The lower lactose content in goat's milk is not the only reason it may be better tolerated by those with lactose intolerance. Goat's milk also has smaller fat molecules, which makes it easier to digest. Additionally, goat's milk contains mainly the A2-type casein, while cow's milk contains both A1 and A2 casein. A1 casein can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and problems with lactose digestion, so the absence of this in goat's milk may also contribute to better tolerance.
Aged goat cheeses are also a good option for lactose-intolerant individuals as the longer ripening process allows more time for lactose to be broken down by bacteria, resulting in a product that is almost lactose-free. Examples of aged cheeses that may be better tolerated include cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan.
While goat's milk and cheese can be a suitable option for those with mild lactose intolerance, it is important to note that they are not completely lactose-free. Those with severe lactose intolerance should still avoid these products, but may be able to tolerate them in small quantities or when consumed with other lactose-free products.
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Goat cheese is not completely lactose-free
The fat molecules in goat's milk are also smaller than those in cow's milk, making it easier to digest for those with a compromised digestive system. Additionally, during the ripening process, lactose is further broken down by bacteria, so aged goat cheeses contain even less lactose than fresh cheeses. For this reason, people with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate aged goat cheeses better than fresh goat cheeses.
While goat cheese is not completely lactose-free, it can be a good option for those with mild lactose intolerance who still want to enjoy cheese. However, those with severe lactose intolerance should avoid goat cheese and other goat milk products, as they still contain some lactose. Instead, they may want to try lactose-free cheese alternatives, which can provide the taste and texture of cheese without the lactose.
It is important to note that individual tolerance to lactose can vary, and some people with lactose intolerance may still experience symptoms when consuming goat cheese. A lactose tolerance test can help determine how well an individual's body can process lactose. Additionally, drinking small quantities of goat's milk along with other lactose-free products may help reduce symptoms for those with mild lactose intolerance.
Overall, while goat cheese is not completely lactose-free, it is a lower-lactose option that may be suitable for those with mild lactose intolerance. For those with severe lactose intolerance, however, it is important to choose lactose-free alternatives to avoid triggering unpleasant symptoms.
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Goat cheese is easier to digest
Goat cheese is a delicious option for people with lactose intolerance, especially when opting for aged varieties. This is because goat's milk contains less lactose than cow's milk, and the longer the cheese is aged, the less lactose it contains.
Lactose intolerance is caused by the body's inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in animal milk, due to a deficiency in lactase, an enzyme produced by the body to break down lactose. As a result, lactose molecules end up in the colon, where bacteria consume them and produce gas and diarrhea. While 65% of the population is officially diagnosed with lactose intolerance, some experts believe that we are all lactose intolerant to some degree.
Goat's milk typically contains about 4.2% lactose, while cow's milk contains almost 5%. This difference in lactose content means that goat's milk and its by-products, such as cheese, are generally better tolerated by people with mild lactose intolerance. Additionally, the fat molecules in goat's milk are smaller than those in cow's milk, making it easier to digest for those with compromised digestive systems.
During the ripening process of cheese, lactose is further broken down by bacteria, resulting in lower lactose content in aged cheeses. Therefore, aged goat cheeses are almost lactose-free and are easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance.
While goat cheese is not completely lactose-free, it is a lactose-friendly option for those who are lactose intolerant. It is important to note that the tolerance levels can vary among individuals with lactose intolerance, and those with severe intolerance should avoid goat cheese and opt for lactose-free alternatives.
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Aged goat cheese is almost lactose-free
Lactose intolerance is caused by the body's inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in animal milk, due to a deficiency in lactase, an enzyme produced by the body to break down lactose. While 65% of the population is officially diagnosed with lactose intolerance, some experts believe that everyone is at least a little bit lactose intolerant. As people age, they produce less of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose.
Goat's milk contains less lactose than cow's milk, with 4.2% lactose compared to 5% in cow's milk. This means that goat cheese, which is made from goat's milk, will also be lower in lactose than cheese made from cow's milk. In addition, goat's milk contains mainly A2-type casein, while cow's milk contains both A1 and A2 casein. A1 casein can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and problems with lactose digestion, so goat's milk products may cause fewer symptoms for those with lactose intolerance.
The aging process also affects the lactose content of cheese. During ripening, bacteria further break down the lactose, so the cheese contains less lactose as it ages. Aged cheeses, in general, tend to have very low lactose content, and any cheese aged over 3 months has basically no lactose. Therefore, aged goat cheese, which has gone through a lengthy ripening process, is almost lactose-free, making it a good option for those with lactose intolerance.
While goat cheese is not completely lactose-free, it is much lower in lactose than cow's cheese, and it is also lower in fat and has less complex fat molecules, making it easier to digest. Those with mild lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate moderate amounts of goat cheese, especially aged varieties, without experiencing digestive problems. However, those with severe lactose intolerance should avoid goat cheese, as it still contains some lactose.
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Goat's milk is not suitable for people with severe lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is caused by the body's inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in animal milk, due to a deficiency in lactase, an enzyme produced by the body to break down lactose. While the side effects of lactose intolerance might make you want to give up dairy altogether, this is not always necessary unless you have a severe case of lactose intolerance.
Goat's milk contains less lactose than cow's milk, with about 4.2% lactose compared to almost 5% in cow's milk. It is also easier to digest because its fat molecules are smaller. This means that goat's milk is more easily digested by those with a compromised digestive system, such as people with lactose intolerance.
However, people with severe lactose intolerance should avoid goat's milk, as it does still contain lactose. Those with mild intolerance may be able to consume moderate amounts of goat's milk and its by-products, especially yoghurt and cheese, as they contain significantly less lactose. Additionally, drinking small quantities of goat's milk along with other lactose-free products may help reduce symptoms.
Goat's milk also contains mainly the A2-type casein, while cow's milk contains both A1 and A2 casein. A1 casein can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people, including problems with lactose digestion. Therefore, some people with lactose intolerance may experience fewer symptoms when consuming goat milk products.
In conclusion, while goat's milk is not suitable for people with severe lactose intolerance, it may be an option for those with mild lactose intolerance who can tolerate moderate amounts. For those who suffer from lactose intolerance but still want to enjoy cheese, aged goat cheese is probably the best choice as the lengthy ripening process allows it to become almost lactose-free.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, goat cheese is known to be lower in lactose compared to cow's cheese. However, it is not completely lactose-free.
Goat's milk contains less lactose than cow's milk, with about 4.2% lactose compared to 5% in cow's milk. Goat's milk is also easier to digest due to its lower fat content and less complex fat molecules.
Popular goat cheeses that are typically well-tolerated by lactose-intolerant individuals include aged goat cheeses, feta, chèvre, and softer goat cheeses like goat milk ricotta, mozzarella, and brie.
Yes, lactose-intolerant individuals can explore other dairy foods with low lactose levels, such as harder cheeses like Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan, which have been aged for at least six months. Additionally, yogurt made from goat's milk is often well-tolerated.
