People who experience digestive discomfort after consuming dairy may not need to eliminate every dairy product from their diet. A report published by The Wall Street Journal highlights how many people with lactose intolerance can continue enjoying selected dairy foods, including ice cream, by adjusting portion sizes and how they consume them.
The article notes that although roughly two-thirds of the global population has some difficulty digesting lactose, the natural sugar in milk, not everyone develops symptoms. Experts cited in the report estimate that around 5% to 20% of the general population experiences symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.
Not Every Digestive Symptom Means Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body produces insufficient lactase, the enzyme required to digest lactose effectively. Symptoms can include bloating, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhoea and nausea.
However, similar symptoms may also result from conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or temporary changes in digestion following a stomach infection. The article therefore highlights the importance of identifying the actual cause rather than automatically eliminating all dairy products.
Why Some Dairy Products Are Better Tolerated
Different dairy foods contain different amounts of lactose, which can influence how people respond to them.
- Hard cheeses: Cheddar and similar aged cheeses generally contain very little lactose because much of it is removed during processing and ageing.
- Yoghurt: Some people tolerate yoghurt better than milk, particularly products containing live bacterial cultures.
- Ice cream: Despite containing lactose, some people may tolerate certain portions better than expected. However, ice cream is not universally suitable for people with lactose intolerance, and its fat content can affect digestion.
- Lactose-free dairy: These products offer another option for people who want to retain dairy in their diets while reducing lactose exposure.
The amount a person can tolerate varies. Consuming dairy with meals, choosing smaller portions and using lactase enzyme supplements may help some individuals manage symptoms.
Implications for Dairy Manufacturers
The findings have implications for dairy processors and product developers. Growing awareness of lactose intolerance creates opportunities to offer a wider range of products, including lactose-free milk, specialised dairy desserts and products with clearly communicated lactose content.
For manufacturers, product formulation, consumer education and transparent labelling can help consumers identify products that fit their dietary needs.
The topic also reinforces the importance of avoiding broad assumptions about dairy tolerance. Consumers may respond differently to milk, yoghurt, cheese and frozen desserts, even when these products come from the same raw material.
Balanced Dairy Choices Matter
People who eliminate all dairy products need to ensure they obtain sufficient calcium and vitamin D from other foods or appropriate supplements. Anyone experiencing persistent or severe digestive symptoms should seek professional medical advice rather than self-diagnosing lactose intolerance.
The central message for the dairy industry is that lactose intolerance does not necessarily mean complete dairy avoidance. Better consumer education and a broader range of dairy options may help more people make informed choices about the products they consume.
Source: Dairynews7x7 13 Oct, 2026 Read full article here
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