Where do we find lactose?

Milk is the only natural source of lactose in all forms, followed by milk products, such as cheese, yoghurts, cottage cheese, cream, butter, puddings, ice-creams, ice lollies, etc. The lactose content in those foods usually varies, but it is useful to know that best tolerated are the products that have undergone a fermentation process, such as yoghurt and some kinds of cheese.

Persons with a low lactose intolerance threshold, however, should carefully read labels on products because lactose is also added to finished products, such as:

• bakery products, cereals, pizza
• meat spreads, dressings, instant soups
• margarines
• confectionery and chocolates

It is also important to notice medical drug packaging leaflets, since about 20 % of them contain lactose.