Understanding Lactose & Digestion
A science-based look at how the body processes dairy
WHAT IS LACTOSE?
Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar found in milk and dairy products. It is composed of two smaller sugars — glucose and galactose — joined together.
In the small intestine, an enzyme called lactase separates lactose into these individual sugars so they can be absorbed.
Lactase levels naturally vary from person to person and may change over time.
AS WE GET OLDER
In early life, the body produces higher levels of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose. Over time, many people naturally produce less lactase, which can make dairy more difficult to digest. This variation is common worldwide and differs across populations.