If your tummy seems to angrily object each time you sink a glass of ice-cold milk, you are not alone. Up to 65 per cent of people in the world are unable to digest lactose, with that number rising to a whopping 90 per cent within certain ethnic groups. Recent data shows approximately 79 per cent of Native Americans are lactose intolerant, along with 75 per cent of African Americans and more than 50 per cent of Hispanics. Asians have a 90 per cent intolerance and if the figure of 75 per cent among people of Greek descent is to be believed, it could even mean Santa has ditched dairy, if he really did descend from Greek Bishop Saint Nicholas.

Yes, that’s right, for more people than most realise, consuming dairy products can actually have far worse consequences than ending up on the big red man’s naughty list. If your system can’t tolerate milk, you could be lactose intolerant; this means your body has a hard time breaking down lactose, a type of sugar found in milk. The good news is that you can enjoy the rich and creamy goodness of milk, thanks to Arla, without the annoying side effects.

What is lactose free milk?

Lactose free milk is cow’s milk that has been filtered for lactose, which is the natural sugar in milk. If you are lactose intolerant there is no need to live without milk. Just make sure to look for lactose free alternatives. Arla Organic Lactose Free Milk is a great alternative – free from lactose but still naturally rich in vitamins, minerals and protein.

We love Arla Organic Lactose Free Low Fat Milk, priced Dhs12.25 each.

What are the benefits of lactose free milk?

If you are lactose intolerant or have a sensitive gut, lactose-free milk is a great alternative that can provide you with beneficial vitamins, minerals and protein. With Arla Organic Lactose Free Milk you can still enjoy all the goodness and great taste from milk, just without the lactose. It’s a win-win!

How is lactose free milk made?

Arla Organic Lactose Free Milk is made following a simple and unique two-step process that removes the lactose, while keeping all the nutrients and great taste of milk.

First, the milk is filtered naturally, which removes around half of the lactose. In order to break down the last of the lactose, an enzyme called lactase is introduced. This enzyme, produced by cells that line the walls of the small intestine, helps to digest the remaining lactose. This process means all the good things in the milk are preserved, but the lactose is no more.

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is the reduced ability to digest lactose – the natural sugar in milk and other dairy products. If your body produces too little of the enzyme lactase which is required to digest lactose, you may experience gastrointestinal discomfort when you consume dairy products.

100% organic lactose free milk

The cows that produce Arla Organic Lactose Free Milk are free range, which means they have acres of lush green fields to call home. The organic milk complies fully with controlled organic standards, and the systems of farming used by Arla, encourage the growth of the ecosystem by avoiding the use of any manufactured chemical sprays, as well as no artificial fertilisers or herbicides.

Residents and visitors across the UAE are enjoying Arla Lactose Free products and social media has the proof!