
Sheep's milk cheese is generally considered safe for people with lactose intolerance due to its lower lactose content compared to cow's milk. However, it's important to note that sheep's milk does contain lactose, and those with a diagnosed lactose intolerance should avoid it. The higher fat content in sheep's milk makes it more tolerable for those with lactose intolerance, and some people with cow milk sensitivity may find it to be a good alternative. Additionally, there are supplements available, such as Lactosolution tablets, that can aid in digesting lactose and allow people with lactose intolerance to consume dairy products without discomfort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is sheep's milk cheese lactose-free? | No, sheep's milk does contain lactose. However, it is better tolerated by lactose-intolerant individuals due to its high-fat content. |
| Alternative for lactose-intolerant people | Sheep's milk is a good alternative for those sensitive to cow's milk. |
| Other alternatives | Goat's milk is also better tolerated by lactose-intolerant people as it contains less lactose than cow's milk. |
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What You'll Learn
- Sheep's milk contains lactose but is better tolerated by the body
- Sheep's milk is a good alternative for those sensitive to cow's milk
- Sheep's milk has a higher protein content than cow's milk
- Sheep's milk has more fat than cow's milk, making it more tolerated by the lactose intolerant
- Goat's milk is also better tolerated by the lactose intolerant

Sheep's milk contains lactose but is better tolerated by the body
Sheep's milk does contain lactose, but it is generally better tolerated by the body than cow's milk. This is due to its high fat content, which makes it a good alternative for those who are sensitive to cow's milk or have lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance is an inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. It can cause various unpleasant symptoms, including cramps, diarrhoea, and abdominal spasms. While sheep's milk does contain lactose, its higher fat content means it is often better tolerated by those with lactose intolerance.
Cow milk sensitivity, or an inability to digest the proteins or fats in milk, is often confused with lactose intolerance as the symptoms are very similar. Many people who experience discomfort after drinking cow's milk assume they are lactose intolerant when they may actually have cow milk sensitivity. Sheep's milk can be a good alternative for those with cow milk sensitivity.
Sheep's milk also has a higher protein content than cow's milk, which may be another reason why it is better tolerated by some people. The taste of sheep's milk is similar to cow's milk, although some people find it tastier.
While sheep's milk may be better tolerated than cow's milk, it is not completely lactose-free. Those with a clinical diagnosis of lactose intolerance should avoid sheep's milk and consider other alternatives. However, for those with a mild intolerance or cow milk sensitivity, sheep's milk may be a good option to consider.
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Sheep's milk is a good alternative for those sensitive to cow's milk
Sheep's milk is a good alternative for those who are sensitive to cow's milk. While both types of milk contain lactose, the composition of sheep's milk and cow's milk differs across proteins and fats, which can impact digestive processes.
Cow's milk contains A1 β-casein, which has been implicated in digestive discomfort. Sheep's milk, on the other hand, lacks this protein, which may contribute to reduced discomfort for those who are sensitive to cow's milk. In addition, sheep's milk has a higher solid content than cow's milk, which may also impact digestibility.
A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the acute digestive comfort and lactose malabsorption of sheep's milk to cow's milk in female dairy avoiders. The results showed that sheep's milk was better tolerated by those who experienced digestive symptoms with cow's milk. This may be due to the absence of A1 β-casein in sheep's milk, as well as its higher solid content.
For those who are sensitive to cow's milk, sheep's milk can be a good alternative to ensure adequate dairy intake and prevent the risk of nutrient insufficiency. Dairy is a major source of essential nutrients, including calcium, high-quality proteins, micronutrients, and vitamins. Complete dairy avoidance may increase the risk of low bone mineral density, metabolic bone disease, or metabolic syndromes.
Sheep's milk may be a viable option for those who are sensitive to cow's milk, providing a way to include dairy in the diet while potentially reducing digestive discomfort.
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Sheep's milk has a higher protein content than cow's milk
Sheep's milk cheese may be a good option for those who are lactose intolerant. While there is conflicting information on whether sheep's milk contains lactose, it is classified as A2 milk, which means it contains only the A2-β casein protein and no A1-β casein protein. Some people may be sensitive to the A1 protein, and switching to A2 milk may help alleviate their lactose intolerance symptoms.
Sheep's milk has a higher percentage of milk solids, including around 60% more protein and fat, than cow's milk. It also contains 60% more leucine, an amino acid associated with the stimulation of protein synthesis. The higher protein content in sheep's milk may explain the greater feelings of fullness reported after consuming this beverage compared to cow's milk. Additionally, as a smaller volume of sheep's milk is needed to obtain the equivalent amount of nutrition from cow's milk, it may be a more efficient and satiating option for those looking to aid recovery from eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD).
The casein in sheep's milk, the protein associated with cheese, is very acceptable for those with an intolerance for cow's milk. Sheep's milk contains three times more of this type of protein than cow's milk, which also contributes to better digestibility. The whey proteins in sheep's milk are also highly digestible, and the milk is more acceptable to the human digestive system compared to cow's milk.
Sheep's milk is also a rich source of biologically active proteins, with a significantly higher protein content (4.52–5.50%) than cow's milk. It also contains higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamins B6 and B12, vitamin D, medium-chain amino acids, linoleic acids, and all ten essential amino acids. The daily requirement of calcium, riboflavin, and five of the ten essential amino acids can be met by consuming just two cups (490 g) of sheep's milk per day.
In summary, sheep's milk has a higher protein content than cow's milk, and its unique composition may offer several health benefits and improved digestibility for those with lactose intolerance or A1 milk allergies. However, further research is needed to fully understand the effects of sheep's milk consumption, especially in comparison to cow's milk.
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Sheep's milk has more fat than cow's milk, making it more tolerated by the lactose intolerant
Sheep's milk is not lactose-free, but its higher fat content makes it more tolerated by those with lactose intolerance. While lactose intolerance can cause various unpleasant reactions such as cramps, diarrhoea, and abdominal spasms, sheep's milk can be a good alternative for those who are sensitive to cow's milk. This is because sheep's milk contains a higher protein content and different proteins than cow's milk, which is the more common cause of lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance is caused by an intolerance to lactose, a natural sugar present in milk. However, it is important to note that not all milk sugar is lactose, and A1 protein sensitivity can also cause discomfort after drinking milk. Sheep's milk contains A2 protein, which may be better tolerated by those with A1 protein sensitivity.
Goat's milk is also better tolerated by lactose-intolerant individuals as it contains less lactose than cow's milk. However, it is important to note that goat's milk is still considered dairy and may not be suitable for those with a cow's milk allergy or other milk issues. Sheep's milk is also considered dairy and should be avoided on a strict dairy-free diet.
Some people with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate small amounts of lactose or consume lactose-containing products by taking Lactosolution tablets before consumption. Others may find that their intolerance is limited to cow's milk and that they can tolerate goat's or sheep's milk products. Anecdotal evidence suggests that acne may resolve when switching to goat's or sheep's milk, and some people report being able to tolerate sheep's and goat's cheese without issues.
In conclusion, while sheep's milk is not lactose-free, its higher fat content and different protein composition make it more tolerated by those with lactose intolerance or cow's milk sensitivity. Goat's milk is another alternative that is generally well-tolerated due to its lower lactose content. For those with milk issues, it is important to consult a physician or consider elimination/reintroduction testing to determine which types of milk are safe to consume.
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Goat's milk is also better tolerated by the lactose intolerant
While sheep's milk cheese may be suitable for some people with lactose intolerance, it is not completely lactose-free. Lactose is a sugar found in milk that many people have trouble digesting. The severity of lactose intolerance varies, and some people with mild lactose intolerance may tolerate small amounts of lactose without experiencing adverse effects.
Goat's milk is another dairy option that is better tolerated by some people with lactose intolerance. It contains about 4.2% lactose, compared to cow's milk, which contains almost 5%. This small difference in lactose content, along with other factors, may make goat's milk more digestible for some people with mild lactose intolerance.
Goat's milk has smaller fat molecules than cow's milk, making it easier to digest for those with a compromised digestive system, such as people with lactose intolerance. Additionally, drinking small quantities of goat's milk along with other lactose-free products may help reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance. However, it is important to note that people with severe lactose intolerance should avoid goat's milk due to its lactose content.
Some people with an allergy to cow's milk may also be able to tolerate goat's milk. This is usually not due to lactose intolerance but rather a difference in other components, such as proteins. A study found that about one in four babies allergic to cow's milk were not allergic to goat's milk. However, it is important to consult a doctor before consuming goat's milk if you have a dairy allergy, as many people with a cow's milk allergy may also react to goat's milk.
Overall, while goat's milk is not lactose-free, it may be better tolerated by some people with mild lactose intolerance due to its slightly lower lactose content and easier digestibility. However, those with severe lactose intolerance should stick to plant-based milk alternatives that are guaranteed to be lactose-free.
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Frequently asked questions
No, sheep's milk does contain lactose, but it is generally better tolerated by those with lactose intolerance due to its high fat content.
Many people assume they are lactose intolerant when they experience discomfort after drinking cow's milk. However, the more appropriate term may be cow milk sensitivity, which presents similar symptoms. Sheep's milk is not suitable for those who are lactose intolerant but may be a good alternative for those sensitive to cow milk.
Pecorino Romano and feta are two examples of sheep's milk cheese.
Yes, goat's milk is another alternative as it contains less lactose than cow's milk.
There are tablets available, such as Lactosolution, that allow lactose intolerant individuals to consume any source of milk without feeling sick.
























