Does Goat Milk Have Lactose? Four Myths About Lactose Intolerance Parents Should Know

Lactose often gets blamed for tummy troubles, especially in little ones. But, what is the truth about lactose intolerance? Read on to learn about lactose, common myths, and real truths.

Myth 1: Humans Are Not Meant to Consume Lactose

In breast milk, lactose is the primary carbohydrate, and babies consume and digest lactose from their mother’s milk. For many people, the ability to produce the lactase enzyme diminishes with age. So, while lactose intolerance may be more common in older children and adults, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that lactose intolerance in toddlers is uncommon before 2-3 years.

Truth: Lactose is in breast milk. In young babies, lactose intolerance is uncommon and is rarely the cause of infant digestive discomfort.

Goat Milk Formula Is Lactose-Free, or Contains a Different Type of Lactose

Lactose is molecularly identical regardless of its source. The lactose in breast milk is the same molecule found in cow milk and goat milk, although the amount can vary among different milks and finished infant formulas.

Goat milk formula is not lactose-free. Kabrita’s gentle-digestion positioning is based on protein composition, not a different type of lactose. Goat milk proteins form softer curds during digestion than cow milk proteins, which is why Kabrita Goat Milk-Based Infant Formula is designed for easy digestion.

Truth: Lactose is the same molecule, no matter the source.

Myth 3: Babies Need Lactose-Free Formula for Digestive Comfort

Carbohydrates are an essential energy source for babies. Since lactose is the primary carbohydrate found in breast milk, it is also the preferred carbohydrate source in baby formula. And, studies have shown that lactose may benefit the gut microbiome and help with the absorption of calcium.

Kabrita Goat Milk Infant Formula uses lactose as the primary carbohydrate. Other formulas may substitute corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, or sucrose for lactose, most often found in sensitive or low-lactose cow milk formulas.

A lactose-free formula, such as soy formula, may be necessary for children with rare, severe conditions such as congenital alactasia.

Truth: Most healthy babies can digest lactose, the primary carbohydrate in breast milk and a common carbohydrate in milk-based infant formula.

Myth 4: Lactose in Formula Is Usually the Cause of Gas and Discomfort

Parents often wonder whether lactose in baby formula causes gas or digestive discomfort. However, significant lactose intolerance is uncommon in infants. Gas, fussiness, and occasional spit-up are common during infancy and can have many causes. If feeding concerns become persistent or concerning, speak with your pediatrician.

Cow milk protein allergy is different from lactose intolerance and requires medical evaluation. Goat milk formula is not suitable for infants with diagnosed cow milk protein allergy because cow and goat milk proteins can cross-react.

Kabrita Goat Milk-Based Infant Formula is not lactose-free. It uses lactose as its primary carbohydrate and is designed for easy digestion with naturally gentle goat milk proteins that form softer curds during digestion than cow milk proteins. It provides complete nutrition for infants from birth through 12 months.

For children 12–24 months, Kabrita Goat Milk-Based Toddler Nutrition Drink also contains lactose and is designed for easy digestion.

Goat milk-based products are not suitable for children with a diagnosed cow milk protein allergy because cow and goat milk proteins can cross-react. Always speak with your pediatrician before making feeding changes.

Truth: Lactose intolerance is uncommon in infants, and feeding-related discomfort can have many possible causes.

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Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula may be an option for little ones during feeding transitions, such as weaning and supplementing, or those with minor issues associated with cow milk sensitivity*.

*Not suitable for children with confirmed cow milk protein allergy