Frederic Melton
Lactose intolerance affects many people, with some estimates suggesting that most adults are at least mildly lactose intolerant. While it is not an allergy, it can cause unpleasant symptoms such as indigestion and distress. Lactose intolerance varies from person to person, and some people can tolerate small amounts of lactose with no issues. For cheese lovers, this means that some varieties are still on the menu. Generally, hard, aged cheeses contain less lactose, as the lactose in the curd changes to lactic acid during aging. This includes cheeses like Parmesan, which has a lactose content of around 2%. So, is Romano cheese lactose-free?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Romano Cheese Lactose-Free? | Romano cheese is not lactose-free. However, it is generally considered gluten-free. |
| Lactose-Free Cheeses | Parmesan, Asiago, and Cello cheeses are naturally lactose-free. |
| Lactose Intolerance | Most adults are at least mildly lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is not an allergy, and the tolerated quantity varies from person to person. |
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What You'll Learn
Hard, aged cheeses have less lactose
Lactose intolerance is a common condition, with most adults being at least mildly lactose intolerant. However, the good news for cheese lovers is that not all cheese contains lactose. In fact, hard, aged cheeses frequently contain less lactose because the lactose in the curd is converted to lactic acid during the aging process.
Romano cheese, for example, is a hard, aged cheese that is traditionally made with sheep's milk, although in the US, it is often made with cow's milk. While it is not always well tolerated by those with lactose intolerance, there are some lactose-intolerant individuals who can consume small amounts of Romano cheese without any issues. However, it is important to note that individual tolerance levels vary, and some people may experience stomach pain and vomiting after consuming Romano cheese.
Other examples of hard, aged cheeses that are typically lactose-free include Parmesan, Asiago, Grana Padano, and Pecorino Romano. These cheeses have undergone extensive aging, resulting in negligible amounts of lactose. For individuals with lactose intolerance, sticking to cheeses with lactose levels of around 2% or lower is generally recommended.
It is worth noting that the tolerated quantity of cheese can vary from person to person, and it is always advisable to try small portions to evaluate your tolerance threshold. Additionally, when consuming dishes containing cheese, it is important to consider other dairy products that may be included, as they can also affect digestion. Overall, hard, aged cheeses like Romano offer a tasty option for those with lactose intolerance, but it is important to monitor individual tolerance levels to ensure comfortable digestion.
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Lactose intolerance is not an allergy
While lactose intolerance can cause great discomfort, it is not life-threatening and is not an allergy. People who are lactose intolerant are missing the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. As a result, they experience symptoms such as nausea, cramps, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. However, the severity of symptoms varies across individuals, and some people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small amounts of lactose without any issues.
Lactose intolerance is a digestive problem, whereas a dairy allergy is an immune system problem. In the case of a dairy allergy, the body reacts to the proteins in milk and dairy products as if they are dangerous invaders, releasing substances that cause allergy symptoms. On the other hand, lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not produce enough lactase, leading to the lactose being broken down by bacteria in the colon, which causes bloating and gas.
Hard, aged cheeses like Romano, Parmesan, and Asiago frequently contain less lactose because the lactose in the curd changes to lactic acid during aging. These cheeses are often naturally lactose-free and can be enjoyed by people with lactose intolerance. Fresh and unripened cheeses, on the other hand, tend to contain higher levels of lactose.
It is important to note that lactose intolerance is different from a dairy allergy, and the two conditions should not be confused. While lactose intolerance can cause discomfort, it is not life-threatening and does not involve the immune system. People with lactose intolerance can often manage their condition by limiting their lactose intake or choosing lactose-free or lactose-reduced products.
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Lactose intolerant people can eat small portions of fresh cheeses
Lactose intolerance is a common condition, with most adults experiencing at least mild symptoms. While it is not a full-blown allergy, it can cause discomfort, and the severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Lactose intolerant individuals can still enjoy cheese, but they need to be mindful of the type and quantity consumed.
Fresh, unripened cheeses typically contain higher levels of lactose. Creamy varieties like ricotta and cottage cheese are high in lactose because they are so fresh and unaged. However, this doesn't mean that lactose intolerant individuals need to avoid all fresh cheeses entirely. They can still indulge in small portions of fresh cheeses without experiencing any problems. Good cheese is often packed with flavour, so a little bit of even a fresh cheese with relatively high lactose can be enjoyed without issue.
Hard, aged cheeses are generally better tolerated by lactose intolerant individuals as they frequently contain less lactose. During the ageing process, the lactose in the curd changes to lactic acid, reducing the lactose content. Examples of naturally lactose-free cheeses include Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano from the Cello brand. These cheeses undergo an extensive ageing process, making them safe choices.
It is important to remember that individual tolerance levels vary, and some people may not be able to handle any lactose at all. When consuming dishes containing cheese, it is advisable to be mindful of other dairy products included, as combining multiple dairy sources can trigger digestive issues. Additionally, processed cheeses should be avoided as they are typically unaged and often contain added milk and/or whey, resulting in higher lactose content.
While Romano cheese is not specifically mentioned as being lactose-free, it is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses tend to be lower in lactose due to the ageing process. However, there are reports of individuals with lactose intolerance reacting strongly to Romano cheese, specifically the variety made with sheep's milk, known as Pecorino Romano. This reaction could be due to an increased sensitivity to certain species of dairy or a higher amine/histamine content in Romano cheese.
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The type of animal milk used in Romano cheese may cause different reactions
Lactose intolerance is not an allergy, and not everyone experiences it in the same way. Some people can handle small amounts of lactose with no issues, while others experience mild indigestion with moderate amounts, and distress with large amounts. Fresh and unripened cheeses contain more lactose, while hard, aged cheeses contain less lactose because the lactose in the curd changes to lactic acid during aging.
Romano cheese is traditionally made with sheep's milk in Italy, where it is called Pecorino Romano, which translates to "Roman cheese of the sheep". However, in the US, it is usually made with cow's milk and is simply called Romano cheese. People with lactose intolerance may have varying levels of tolerance for dairy from different animal sources. For example, someone may be able to consume cow's milk cheese but experience an allergic reaction to sheep's milk cheese.
In addition to the type of animal milk used, other factors such as additives, manufacturing processes, and aging methods may also contribute to varying reactions among individuals. It is important to carefully examine the ingredients and production methods of the specific type of Romano cheese being consumed to identify any potential allergens or intolerances.
Furthermore, Romano cheese has been noted to have a high amine/histamine content, which may trigger reactions in individuals with histamine intolerance or MAST cell activation syndrome. These conditions can lead to heightened responses to histamines, resulting in varying degrees of symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies to consult with a healthcare professional or allergist to accurately pinpoint the specific triggers and causes of their reactions.
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Romano cheese has a high amine/histamine content
Lactose intolerance affects a large number of people, with some studies suggesting that most adults are at least mildly lactose intolerant. For those who are intolerant, it is important to know which foods to avoid and which are safe to eat. While fresh and unripened cheeses contain more lactose, hard, aged cheeses frequently contain less lactose because the lactose in the curd changes to lactic acid during aging. This means that cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano are naturally lactose-free.
However, while these aged cheeses may be suitable for those with lactose intolerance, they can pose a problem for those with histamine intolerance. Histamine is a natural chemical that helps cells communicate and plays a role in managing sleep cycles and supporting brain function. It is also well known for its role in allergies. Romano cheese has been found to be high in histamine and to inhibit DAO, the enzyme that breaks down histamine and other amines in the body.
A study analyzing the biogenic amine content of different cheese varieties found that Pecorino Romano had a biogenic amine content of 1889.75 mg/kg, which exceeded the acceptable limit. Histamine alone accounted for nearly 86% of the total biogenic amine content. Another study found that Pecorino Romano had a histamine content of 1468.46 mg/kg, which also exceeded the acceptable limit. These high levels of histamine can lead to detrimental effects such as headaches, nausea, and hypo- or hypertension.
It is important to note that not everyone with histamine intolerance will react the same way to Romano cheese, as individual tolerance levels can vary. However, for those following a low-histamine diet, it is generally recommended to avoid Romano cheese and opt for low-histamine alternatives instead. The age of cheese and the temperature at which it is stored can also affect histamine levels, with older cheeses and higher storage temperatures resulting in higher histamine content.
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Frequently asked questions
Romano cheese is not lactose-free. However, the level of lactose intolerance varies from person to person, and some people may be able to consume small amounts of lactose without any issues.
The traditional Italian version of Romano, Pecorino Romano, is made from sheep's milk. Some people may have an increased sensitivity to certain types of dairy, such as sheep's milk, and this could be the reason for an allergic reaction.
Yes, Romano cheese has a high amine/histamine content, and some people may react to that. Additionally, there could be additives or differences in the manufacturing or aging process that could cause a reaction.
Yes, several cheeses have negligible amounts of lactose and are safe for lactose-intolerant individuals to consume. These include Parmesan, Asiago, Grana Padano, and Gorgonzola Igor.
Yes, it is recommended to try small portions of different cheeses to evaluate your tolerance level. Additionally, stay away from processed cheeses as they are unaged and typically contain added milk or whey, which are high in lactose.
