Eggs are good sources of proteins and other nutrients for the body. Eggs are not dairy products and they do not contain lactose (a sugar found mainly in the milk and dairy products). An egg cannot trigger the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by one’s inability to digest lactose in the body. The main cause of the condition is the insufficient production of lactase enzyme by the small intestine. The symptoms of lactose intolerance are gas, bloating, and diarrhea, pain, and cramps in the abdomen. Lactose intolerant people can have eggs in their meal.
Lactose intolerance is a condition marked by the deficiency of an intestinal enzyme lactase needed for proper digestion of lactose (mainly found in milk or milk products). Lactose breaks down into two components of sugar, glucose, and galactose. The components of lactose are absorbed into the blood for further body utilization in the form of energy.
An enzyme named lactase is secreted in the small intestine of our body to digest lactose into the sugar components. Thus, lactose is not digested in the stomach and it is finally digested by bacteria in the small intestine resulting in the formation of gas and other symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Anyone can develop this condition whether he is young or old. Usually, an infant develops lactose intolerance soon after birth that goes after some days or weeks by itself. The signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance are-
Lactose intolerant people often avoid milk or dairy products to get rid of the gastric symptoms developed due to intolerance of lactose. People have the misconception that eggs are another dairy product. Eggs are not milk products and they do not have lactose and milk protein similar to milk products.
On the other hand, eggs are the rich sources of good-quality protein, fat and other nutrients. They are considered one of the nutritious foods. They are also rich in vitamin and minerals which are essential for our body. They satisfy our appetite very fast and provide the good amount of calories.
Lactose intolerant people should avoid food items that contain eggs mixed with milk. Any readymade or packed items like cakes, cookies, pastries, etc. that have milk or milk products along with egg should be avoided as they can trigger symptoms of lactose intolerance. If eggs are added to milk, then symptoms of lactose intolerance can appear. Eggs alone cannot cause symptoms of lactose intolerance as lactose is absent in the eggs.
However, if someone is allergic to eggs and have lactose intolerance too, then consumption of eggs can cause digestive symptoms similar to lactose intolerance. These symptoms are due to an allergy to eggs. Egg allergy is not triggered by the digestive system but it is the immune system that is creating the digestive symptoms and other skin ailments of allergy. Lactose intolerance is indeed a digestive condition. But if you have only lactose intolerance and you are avoiding eggs, then it is useless.
Eggs and lactose intolerance have no relation to each other. It would be safe for lactose intolerant people to watch out lactose in food labels when they are opting for packed foods. They should also check ingredients like butter, cream, cheese, dried milk or other milk products if they want to have food containing egg.
Conclusion
Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase required to digest lactose found in milk or milk products. Eggs and dairy products are not related to each other. Eggs do not have lactose and other milk proteins. On the other hand, eggs are highly nutritious food that contains the high amount of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
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