Difference between lactose free milk and regular milk

Lactose-free milk is cent percent pure milk with the only exception that it does not contain lactose. It contains lactase enzymes, which break down the lactose into simple sugars — galactose and glucose. Once the sugar is broken down, it becomes easy for the persons who have problems with lactose. Lactose-free milk contains almost the same calories and nutrients as in normal milk. Even though Lactose-free milk does not contain lactose, it has the same calcium content as that of normal milk.

Drinking milk may seem like a simple, normal occurrence, but some people’s gastrointestinal systems don’t tolerate cow’s milk well. When you have stomach problems after drinking regular milk, your doctor may recommend switching to lactose-free milk instead.

But what’s the difference between regular and lactose-free milk?

Sugar

The only difference between lactose-free milk and regular milk is the sugar content. Regular milk contains a sugar called lactose, while lactose-free milk includes an enzyme that breaks down lactose into more digestible sugars for persons who are lactose-intolerant. It is important to note that while lactose-free milk does not contain lactose, it still contains the same amount of sugar as regular milk. One 8-oz. serving of each type of milk contains 12 g of sugar, according to Lactaid’s website.

Fat

As with regular milk, lactose-free milk is offered with varying levels of fat, ranging from full-fat to fat-free. The full-fat variety contains 3.25 percent milk fat, which accounts for 8 g total fat and 5 g saturated fat per cup. Because milk fat is high in saturated fat, it is generally recommended to consume low-fat or fat-free varieties to reduce saturated fat’s negative impact on heart health. A cup of 1-percent milk contains only 2.5 g total fat and 1.5 g saturated fat.

Protein

Regardless of the amount of fat or the type of sugar in the milk, each cup will contain 8 g protein, or 17 percent of the daily value. Milk is a source of high-quality protein, meaning it contains adequate amounts of all essential amino acids. Consuming lactose-free milk on a regular basis can help to ensure you are meeting your daily protein needs.

Vitamins

Lactose-free milk is a good source of many vitamins. According to Nutrition Data, each cup contains 25 percent of the daily value of vitamin D, 27 percent riboflavin, 19 percent vitamin B12, 10 percent vitamin A and 9 percent pantothenic acid. The vitamin D and vitamin A content of lactose-free milk, as well as regular milk, is added through fortification. The rest of the vitamins are naturally occurring in the milk.

Minerals

Lactose-free milk also includes many essential minerals, including phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Milk is also one of the best dietary sources of calcium, containing about 300 mg, or 30 percent of the daily value, per cup. According to Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, consuming products such as lactose-free milk may help prevent the development of osteoporosis.