Dairy Allergy vs. Lactose Intolerance: What’s the Difference?

Both lactose intolerance and dairy allergies can make digesting cow’s milk difficult — or even dangerous. These two conditions are often considered synonymous when in fact they’re anything but. Having a dairy allergy is not the same as being lactose intolerant. While the latter is a digestive disorder, a dairy allergy is actually a disorder of the immune system.

In this video, learn why both conditions require caution around dairy products, and how they differ in causes, symptoms, and treatment.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

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