What Is The Difference Between Casein And Lactose

[Lisa16]

I am currently CF. I have been reading about lectins and discovered a web-site that said 50% of celiacs cannot tolerate casein (Dogtor-J.) For me eliminating dairy has made almost a big of a difference as eliminating the gluten.

I understand that casein is a protein and lactose is a sugar, but beyond that I am a little confused.

When I mentioned that I was off dairy, somebody asked me why I can't just take a pill for it. And it occurred to me that those pills are for lactose intolerance.

But how do you know which one you are reacting to-- the lactose or the casein? And is the casein part of the lactose? If so, would the pill work? Is there a pill for casein intolerance too?

Thanks!

Lisa

[ShayFL]

To my knowledge there is no pill for casein intolerance. You might be able to "mask" the symptoms with some drugs, but it does not solve the problem. The "pill" is for lactose intolerance. It is an enzyme that helps break down the sugar lactose. Lactose intolerance is due to a lack of the enzyme lactase. Casein intolerance is from a different mechanism. The body actually reacting either in an autoimmune or allergic way. No pill for that. Sorry.

[georgie]

I was told that lactase is formed on the tips of gut villi so that when the villi are flattened or damaged ( as in Celiac ) that lactase is no longer being produced because of this damage. Which is why so many with Celiac also have lactose intolerance. So sometimes the villi heal ( and produce lactase again) and sometimes they don't. Casein intolerance is a reaction to the milk protein. I don't think that ever gets cured but you may want to research goats and sheeps milk as they are a slightly different casein. I know I reacted to dairy when first gluten-free, and had to go off casein as well. As time went on I was able to eat some goats and sheep milk cheeses with no ill effect. Now I can have all cheeses in moderation and lactose free cow milk. I took about 2 years to heal to this stage.

I believe there is a bit of a test for casein vs lactose intolerance. If you have milk and take the tablets and still get ill then you can assume you have casein intolerance. Don't know if this is a recognised test or not