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Enjoy the nutritional goodness of milk, without the tummy upsets

Lactose-intolerant individuals with different nutritional needs can include Meiji Lactose Free Milk into their everyday diet.

Lactose-free milk is easy to digest because lactase enzymes are added to break down the lactose. Photos: CP-Meiji
Lactose-free milk is easy to digest because lactase enzymes are added to break down the lactose. Photos: CP-Meiji

Lactose-intolerant individuals with different nutritional needs can include Meiji Lactose Free Milk into their everyday diet.

If drinking milk sets off digestive distress like stomach bloating, cramping and frequent trips to the bathroom, you may have lactose intolerance.

One of the most common food intolerances, lactose intolerance occurs when the body lacks an enzyme that breaks down lactose – a type of sugar found mainly in dairy products – in the digestive tract.

Mr Derrick Ong, an accredited dietitian at Eat Right Nutrition Consultancy, explained that this enzyme, called lactase, is either missing or secreted in reduced amounts in over two- thirds of the world’s population. In Asia, it affects over 90 per cent of the population.

Some people also develop lactose intolerance over time as they produce less lactase with age, said Mr Ong. In addition, secondary lactose intolerance can occur after a bout of illness, injury or medical intervention such as certain cancer treatments. 

A TUMMY-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE

While lactose intolerance is usually harmless, its side effects can be uncomfortable. Those who wish to avoid the unpleasant symptoms after consuming dairy products can seek out lactose-free alternatives when choosing milk, yogurt and soft cheeses.

Compared to regular milk, lactose-free milk is easier to digest because lactase enzymes are added into the milk to break down the lactose, Mr Ong shared.

A common misconception is that lactose-free milk has less nutrients than regular milk, but this is not true. For example, Meiji Lactose Free Milk contains key nutrients such as calcium, protein, phosphorous, as well as Vitamins B2 and B12. It can be taken on its own or used to replace regular milk to make beverages such as smoothies, milk shakes and lattes.

MEETING DIFFERENT NUTRITIONAL NEEDS

According to Ms Belinda Leow, an accredited nutritionist from Eat Right, lactose-intolerant individuals with different nutritional needs can include Meiji Lactose Free Milk into their everyday diet.

For example, taking milk with meals may help with post-exercise recovery. Certain exercises like strength training and high-intensity interval training can cause muscle soreness, which should be remedied by consuming protein-rich food like milk post-workout, Ms Leow said. Milk also contains casein and whey protein that can aid muscle recovery during sleep, she added.

For older adults, having a high-protein diet is especially important as the ability to absorb protein decreases with age, and the amount of protein needed per meal to stimulate muscle building increases, Ms Leow explained.

Adults aged 65 years and above typically require 20g to 30g of protein per meal, she said, and a 200ml glass of milk with an egg sandwich provides 20g of protein.

Furthermore, milk is traditionally considered a sleep-promoting beverage as it contains naturally-occurring melatonin (a sleep hormone secreted by the pineal gland) as well as nutrients that promote melatonin secretion and production, said Ms Leow.

Some studies show that increasing tryptophan, an amino acid found in food, in one’s diet can improve sleep by increasing melatonin levels. According to Ms Leow, milk protein alpha-lactalbumin has been reported to have one of the highest natural levels of tryptophan among protein sources.

With Meiji Lactose Free Milk as a lactose-free alternative, it is possible for everyone in the family, young and old, to enjoy the nutritional goodness of milk.

Meiji Lactose Free Milk is also available in Dark Chocolate flavour. Find out more about Meiji Lactose Free Milk.

Related topics

Meiji Lactose Free Milk Meiji Milk lactose intolerance Health wellness

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