Lactose intolerance and raw milk

Lactose is naturally present in milk, whether the milk is raw or heat-treated. Heating does not remove the lactose that causes malabsorption, and choosing raw milk is not a treatment. Raw milk can contain harmful germs because it has not undergone the same safety treatment as pasteurised milk. This matters especially for young children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with a weakened immune system. Abdominal pain, bloating or diarrhoea after milk may reflect lactose intolerance, contamination or another condition.

Do not use raw milk as a lactose-intolerance test or remedy. Choose pasteurised lactose-free milk or another suitable product, and check labels for added nutrients. If you tolerate some dairy, portion size and food pairing may affect symptoms. Keep a diary of the product, amount, timing and response. A clinician can discuss Food Intolerance Testing, while Nutrition Counselling can help you replace calcium and vitamin D if dairy intake falls.

Get medical advice for persistent diarrhoea, fever, vomiting, blood in stool, weight loss or symptoms after a suspected food exposure. Seek urgent help for severe pain, dehydration, confusion, facial swelling or breathing difficulty. Symptoms after raw milk may need attention for infection or allergy, not only lactose intolerance.

Ask whether your symptoms fit lactose intolerance, whether a foodborne infection should be considered, and which pasteurised alternatives meet your nutritional needs.