Category FAQs Search : Lactose Intolerance
Question: What is the difference between lactose intolerance vs. milk protein intolerance?
Answer: Like lactose intolerance, milk protein intolerance begins with malabsorption in your small intestine. When your small intestine can’t break down and absorb one of the proteins in milk (usually casein or whey), the undigested protein passes on through your intestines, just like undigested sugars do.
The difference is that undigested proteins in your digestive system can raise a red flag in your immune system. Your immune system may register the protein as an allergen sometime later in the digestive process, producing a delayed immune response. You may later develop an allergy to the protein.
(Source: Cleveland Clinic, 31 Jan 2026)
Source Link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7317-lactose-intolerance