Jump to content

Choose locationKahi Mohala
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Kāhi Mōhala
  • Ask an Expert
  • Lactose Intolerance and Goat Cheese
Content

Ask An Expert

Lactose Intolerance and Goat Cheese

Deborah Kurzrock

Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Question:

Does goat cheese contain lactose? If I am lactose intolerant, is it safe to eat?

Answer:

Lactose is the sugar found in milk. If you have been told you are lactose intolerant, you are unable to digest this sugar. Some people can eat or drink small amounts of lactose, while others can not tolerate any lactose-containing foods. Goat's milk does contain lactose and it has almost as much as cow's milk.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance differ from person to person. The most common symptoms are gas, diarrhea, abdominal cramping or discomfort, and generalized abdominal pain.


Some people have a less severe reaction to lactose and find that they can eat fermented milk products without having any symptoms. These fermented milk products include yogurt and aged cheeses , such as cheddar. Cheeses made from both cow's milk or goat's milk will have a reduction in the amount of lactose due to the fermentation process. However, for some reason, some people do seem to tolerate goat cheese better than cow's milk cheese. The fat molecules in goat's milk are shorter than in cow's milk and this may account for its easier digestibility for some.

The severity of your lactose intolerance, would determine how "safe" goat cheese will be for you to include in your diet. You may want to consult with your doctor /dietitian for more individualized guidance.

Related Questions

Question
  • Celiac Disease and Lactose Intolerance: Can enzymes help?
    I just purchased a gluten lactase enzyme medication that claims to let me eat anything safely. I have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, and also feel lactose intolerant. Will this product work, or did I just waste my money?
  • Calcium Sources for Lactose Intolerant
    How can I get enough calcium when I am lactose intolerant?
  • Calcium for Lactose-Intolerant Pregnant Women
    I don't like and can't tolerate milk and dairy products. How can I add calcium to my diet during pregnancy?
  • Symptoms of Food Allergies
    How can I know if I have a lagging reaction to a specific food?
  • Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Diet
    I have a gluten and a dairy intolerance as well as high cholesterol. Do you have a diet suggestion that may address these issues and still allow me to enjoy meal times? I hate tofu!

Back to Digestive Health

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare Advantage
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Residencies and Fellowships
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2022 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences