Lactose Free Protein Powder

Lactose is a disaccharide sugar molecule composed of glucose and galactose. It is a low glycemic index sugar that is naturally found in milk and some milk products. It has been suggested that around 65% of people after infancy have difficulty digesting lactose. We tend to produce lactase—the lactose-digesting enzyme—in larger quantities during infancy to help us digest the lactose in Mother's milk. It makes sense that production of this enzyme reduces after infancy, when milk is not the primary source of nourishment any more.

Lactose intolerance is quite common, and can result in diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating and/or abdominal pain—and not necessarily in that order. It is important to note, however, that this condition does not involve the immune system like an allergy or sensitivity, yet is simply an inability to digest this one sugar, followed by digestive symptoms when a tolerance threshold is exceeded from lactose-containing food.

There are a range of lactose-free protein powders available, such as brown rice, pea and egg, and even lactose-free whey protein powders—that's right, derived from dairy—that can be suitable. Lactose intolerance, except in extreme cases, doesn't mean you can't have any lactose at all. Usually a small amount consumed at each meal is tolerable, though this depends on your individual sensitivity.

Lactose-Free Protein Powder is every bit as good as a regular protein powder. Fear not! Lactose in no way affects bioavilability. In fact, if anything, removing the lactose will increase the protein powder's bioavailability, as in some instances digestion can be improved and absorption of amino acids heightened. Again, this really is an individual thing, and goes to show just how different we all are. Therefore, one could surmise that the bioavailability of protein powders differ from individual to individual, depending on the peron's ability to digest and immunologically "accept" the protein chains. 

As with most things in life, some experimentation is necessary in order to ascertain exactly what the best course of action is here for you. However, if you find that you are experiencing a lot or all of the lactose intolerance signs and symptoms, then it just might be worth giving it a go.