Lactose
Milk sugar — glucose joined to galactose.
What is Lactose?
Lactose is the natural sugar in milk and dairy products, made of glucose and galactose. Digesting it requires the enzyme lactase; many adults make less lactase with age, leading to lactose intolerance and digestive symptoms from dairy.
Health benefits of Lactose
- Provides energy, especially important for infants from milk
- Aids the absorption of calcium and other minerals
- Feeds beneficial gut bacteria as a mild prebiotic
Top food sources of Lactose
See full rankingMilk, yogurt, soft cheeses, ice cream and other dairy products. Values shown per 100 g.
Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, ENFAMIL, with iron, powder
56.0 g
Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, ENFAMIL, LIPIL, with iron, powder, with ARA and DHA
56.0 g
Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, ENFAMIL, low iron, powder, not reconstituted
56.0 g
Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, ENFAMIL, LIPIL, low iron, powder, with ARA and DHA
56.0 g
Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, with iron, powder, not reconstituted (formerly ROSS)
55.5 g
Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, ADVANCE, with iron, powder, not reconstituted (formerly ROSS)
55.5 g
Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, low iron, powder, not reconstituted (formerly ROSS)
54.7 g
Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, ENFAMIL, PROSOBEE LIPIL, with iron, powder, not reconstituted, with ARA and DHA
53.0 g
Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, PM 60/40, powder not reconstituted (formerly ROSS)
52.4 g
Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, NEOSURE, powder, with ARA and DHA (formerly ROSS)
52.0 g
Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, ENFAMIL, LIPIL, with iron, liquid concentrate, with ARA and DHA
14.0 g
Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, with iron, liquid concentrate, not reconstituted (formerly ROSS)
13.8 g
How much Lactose do you need?
There is no Daily Value for lactose; it counts within total sugars and carbohydrate. Lactose-intolerant people can often handle small amounts or choose lactose-free dairy.
Lactose deficiency
There is no requirement for lactose. The common issue is the reverse — lactose intolerance, where too little lactase causes bloating and discomfort after dairy.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does Lactose do?
Lactose is the natural sugar in milk and dairy products, made of glucose and galactose. Digesting it requires the enzyme lactase; many adults make less lactase with age, leading to lactose intolerance and digestive symptoms from dairy.
How much Lactose do I need per day?
There is no Daily Value for lactose; it counts within total sugars and carbohydrate. Lactose-intolerant people can often handle small amounts or choose lactose-free dairy.
Which foods are highest in Lactose?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, ENFAMIL, with iron, powder, Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, ENFAMIL, LIPIL, with iron, powder, with ARA and DHA, Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, ENFAMIL, low iron, powder, not reconstituted, Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, ENFAMIL, LIPIL, low iron, powder, with ARA and DHA, Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, with iron, powder, not reconstituted (formerly ROSS).
What happens if I don't get enough Lactose?
There is no requirement for lactose. The common issue is the reverse — lactose intolerance, where too little lactase causes bloating and discomfort after dairy.