Tag: Lactate vs lactose

While the names sound similar, magnesium lactate is not milk and contains no dairy derivatives. This article clarifies the common confusion between lactate and lactose, explaining why magnesium lactate is safe for those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance.

Over 75% of the world's population has some degree of lactose intolerance, which often causes confusion between the milk sugar lactose and the compound lactate. Despite their similar-sounding names, are lactate and lactose related beyond a linguistic coincidence? In short, yes, they are linked, but not in the way most people assume; understanding their distinct roles is key for both digestive health and food science.

While lactate is a compound naturally occurring in fermented or sour milk, the product many consumers seek is actually lactose-free milk, not a commercial product called 'lactate milk'. In fact, an estimated 68% of the global population has reduced lactase activity, the enzyme needed to digest lactose, driving the market for easier-to-digest alternatives.