Zymil Lactose Free Milk Benefits - Lactose Free Recipes, Milk Facts and Digestive Health

Why do I have trouble digesting milk?

One of the most common reasons people have trouble digesting milk is related to lactose, a naturally occurring sugar found in all dairy milk. For the body to digest lactose, it needs to be broken down into simpler sugars, glucose and galactose, by an enzyme called lactase. This enzyme is normally produced by the cells that line the small intestine.

The inability to digest lactose is caused by a shortage of the lactase enzyme. When there is not enough lactase enzyme to digest the amount of lactose consumed, the results, although not usually dangerous, can be distressing. These can vary from mild discomfort, to more severe digestive related symptoms if a person lacks the enzyme completely.

Seventy five percent of the world's population are affected to some extent by lactose intolerance(3). Knowing how to manage this condition is therefore important to ensure daily nutritional needs are met while reducing lactose in the diet.

A recent survey conducted by Footprints Market Research(4) found that many people who have trouble digesting cows milk, did not know what caused their discomfort. A large majority of respondents had switched to a low or no fat milk in an attempt to relieve their symptoms. However, if lactose is the culprit, switching to a lower fat milk will have no benefits. It is therefore important to accurately identify the reason why cow's milk may not be tolerated in order to effectively manage symptoms.

3. Vesa TH, Marteau P, Korpela R. Lactose intolerance. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:165S-175S.
4. Footprints Market Research. Parmalat - Zymil Sensory Research Quantitative Market Research Findings. Brisbane, Queensland, April 2010.

Why is dairy so important?

If you have trouble digesting milk and have confirmed that lactose is the culprit, it can be tempting to eliminate milk and other dairy foods altogether. However this can have a negative effect on your nutrient intake. It is therefore important to continue enjoying dairy foods while cutting down on your lactose intake as a way of managing your digestive related symptoms.

This is where Pauls Zymil will help. Pauls Zymil is simply milk to which the natural enzyme lactase has been added, so it becomes lactose-free and is therefore easy to digest.

Rich, smooth and tasty, Pauls Zymil is the only fresh lactose-free milk widely available on the Australian market. Because the lactose has been broken down into simpler sugars, some people find Pauls Zymil slightly sweeter than regular milk. However, lactose-free Pauls Zymil has no more natural sugar than regular milk - it has about the same amount as Pauls Full Cream milk.

Like other dairy milks, Pauls Zymil provides a natural source of protein, as well as a broad range of vitamins and minerals. These include:

• Calcium – for strong bones and teeth
• Riboflavin – a B vitamin needed for energy release
• Vitamin A – needed for healthy eyes and a strong immune system
• Vitamin B12 – essential for a healthy nervous system
• Potassium – needed for heart health and nerve transmission
• Magnesium – needed for strong bones
• Zinc – needed for a healthy immune system and normal growth and development
• Phosphorus – needed as an integral component of bones.

How to include Zymil in your daily diet

Pauls Zymil is a great all-rounder in the kitchen - simply use Pauls Zymil lactose-free milk instead of regular milk in your favourite recipes. Tips for including Pauls Zymil in your daily diet to help reach your daily nutritional needs include:

• Use Zymil to make a low-fat white sauce to add to vegetables or as a topping on grilled or baked fish
• Make low-fat smoothies from Zymil.
• Use Zymil instead of water when preparing porridge.
• Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder and a little sugar to warmed Zymil to make a delicious hot chocolate.
• Make dairy desserts such as custards, crepes and crème caramel
• For more inspiring and delicious recipes using Zymil, view our list of lactose free recipes

How much Zymil should I be having?

To meet your daily calcium requirements and to obtain the nutritional benefits of dairy foods, aim to include 2-3 serves of a variety of suitable dairy foods daily(5). If you have trouble digesting lactose, Pauls Zymil, lactose free yoghurt and hard cheese are all suitable to include as part of a healthy diet (hard cheese does not contain lactose). A serve is equal to the following amounts:

• 1 cup (250ml) Zymil
• 200g low fat yoghurt e.g. Vaalia lactose free yoghurt
• 40g hard cheese

People who are very active, or growing teenagers, may require up to four or more serves of dairy foods a day.

5. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Food for Health - Dietary Guidelines for Australians. 2005.

This information is of a general nature only and is not designed to replace individual medical advice. Always consult your doctor or dietitian for specific dietary advice.
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