On this week’s blog, we’re covering a very important question: “Can I digest colostrum if I have a lactose intolerance?” The short answer is yes! To help our readers understand this possibility, please read the following. 

Introduction 

The main carbohydrate present in milk is lactose. The inability to digest lactose has been termed lactose intolerance or lactose maldigestion. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence. It is important to note that these symptoms are typically only observed in individuals who are lactose maldigesters AND who consume large quantities of lactose-containing dairy products. Research has shown that even lactose maldigesters can easily tolerate 1-2 cups of milk per day, cheese (which contains little if any lactose), yogurt, and even colostrum. 

What Is Lactose intolerance? 

In humans, intestinal lactase activity changes with age, reaching its peak at birth and remaining high during infancy and early childhood. In a great percentage of the world’s population there is then a gradual decline in intestinal lactase activity with age. However, in a small minority of people, mainly individuals of European heritage, high levels of lactase activity remain well into adulthood. These individuals can readily and easily digest large quantities of lactose and are often referred to as being lactose persistent. 

However, as previously mentioned, the majority of adults in the world have reduced levels of lactase in the small intestine. In these individuals, if they consume more lactose then there is lactase present to digest it, symptoms may appear. 

Lactose Intolerance Defined 

Lactose intolerance, also referred to as hypolactasia, can be defined as an inability to tolerate a standard or test dose of lactose without developing diagnostic biochemical changes with or without clinical signs and symptoms of flatulence, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Incidence of Lactose intolerance 

The incidence of lactose intolerance varies greatly between races and populations worldwide. However, a majority of adults worldwide have a reduction in lactase activity. The general belief is that lactase persistence is genetically linked and not environmentally triggered. 

How Much Colostrum Can Be Tolerated? 

Further studies have established the fact that almost everyone, including individuals who are lactose intolerant, can easily tolerate up to 12 grams of colostrum per day without any negative side effects or symptoms. An important point to make is that this corresponds to 24 – 500mg capsules. It must be obvious that 24 capsules of colostrum a day is a significant number of capsules to ingest, but it does illustrate that even individuals who are lactose intolerant can most likely tolerate the recommended daily dose of 2-6 capsules. 

For those who know that they suffer from lactose intolerance, or those who suffer from a severe lactose allergy, we always recommend that you consult with your physician before starting a colostrum supplementation regimen. We also highly recommend starting with a very small dose (.5g-1g) and working your way up to a recommended dose (2g-3g) over a number of weeks. 

DISCLAIMER: The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food And Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The statements are for informational purposes only and is it not meant to replace the services or recommendations of a physician or qualified health care practitioner. Those with health problems or pregnancy are specifically advised that they should consult their physician before taking colostrum or any nutritional supplement.