Casein and Lactose

Milk
Casein
Lactose
Milk Allergy
Lactose Intolerance

Written by Lindsay Boyers

08 July, 2011

Fact Checked

The milk you drink contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as protein and sugar. One of the most abundant proteins in milk is casein. The simple sugar lactose provides most of the natural sugar content of milk. While most people can drink milk without a problem, some people experience abnormal reactions after consuming casein or lactose.

Casein

There are two major proteins in milk: whey and casein. Whey is the protein in the liquid portion of the milk that is left after milk curdles. Casein is the protein in the solid portion of curdled milk, often referred to as the curd. The term "casein" refers to several protein substances. Each of these substances has its own amino acid structure and function. Casein proteins contain phosphate, which allows calcium to bind to the protein. As a result, casein is what gives milk most of its calcium content.

There are two major proteins in milk: whey and casein.
Casein is the protein in the solid portion of curdled milk, often referred to as the curd.

Lactose

Lactose & Itching

Learn More

Lactose is a type of simple carbohydrate called a disaccharide, which means it contains two sugars joined together. The simple sugars galactose and glucose make up lactose, often referred to as milk sugar. According to the Virtual Chembook at Elmhurst College, the lactose content of cow’s milk ranges from 4 percent to 6 percent. Your body cannot absorb lactose in its full form.

Lactose is a type of simple carbohydrate called a disaccharide, which means it contains two sugars joined together.
The simple sugars galactose and glucose make up lactose, often referred to as milk sugar.

Milk Allergy

A milk allergy is characterized by an abnormal immune reaction to the milk proteins 2. You may be allergy to casein, whey or both of the proteins. When you consume milk, your body identifies the milk protein as a potentially harmful substance and sets off a reaction that sends out antibodies called immunoglobulin E, or IgE, to attack the milk proteins. IgE also triggers your body to release a chemical compound called histamine that causes widespread inflammation. This inflammation causes the symptoms most commonly associated with allergy, which include hives, wheezing, vomiting, runny nose, watery eyes, itchy skin, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.cause:

This inflammation causes the symptoms most commonly associated with allergy
which include hives
wheezing
vomiting
runny nose
watery eyes
itchy skin
diarrhea
abdominal cramps

A milk allergy is characterized by an abnormal immune reaction to the milk proteins 2.
When you consume milk, your body identifies the milk protein as a potentially harmful substance and sets off a reaction that sends out antibodies called immunoglobulin E, or IgE, to attack the milk proteins.

Lactose Intolerance

Dairy Allergy & Nausea

Learn More

Lactose intolerance is an inability to properly digest the milk sugar lactose. Lactose intolerance differs from a milk allergy in that it does not involve the immune system 2. If you are lactose intolerant, your small intestine does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to properly break down lactose. As a result, lactose moves through your digestive system in its full form. When it reaches the bacteria that live in your large intestine, the bacteria feed on it, which causes the common symptoms of lactose intolerance. These symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and nausea.

Lactose intolerance is an inability to properly digest the milk sugar lactose.
When it reaches the bacteria that live in your large intestine, the bacteria feed on it, which causes the common symptoms of lactose intolerance.