Parmesan is tasty, nutritious and recommended in many diets for its properties.
But can people with lactose intolerance eat Parmigiano Reggiano?
What is lactose?
Lactose is a complex sugar, meaning it is composed of two simple sugars: glucose and galactose.
The digestion of lactose occurs thanks to enzymes called lactase, which divide it into the two sugars and allow the body to assimilate it.
However, the production of the lactase enzyme decreases with age, which is why so many adults have problems digesting lactose.
Lactose is found in the milk of mammals, so not only cow's milk contains it, but also goat's and buffalo's milk and consequently their derivatives, albeit in different doses.
Can people with lactose intolerance eat Parmigiano Reggiano?
Most cheeses contain intolerable percentages of lactose, especially fresh ones. Parmigiano Reggiano is one of the few exceptions!
The secret lies in the aging process, which exponentially reduces the amount of lactose present in the cheese.
Already at 12 months of aging – the minimum for Parmesan – a negligible amount of lactose remains, which can be easily tolerated even by those who cannot digest dairy products.
Lactose-free Parmigiano Reggiano, but with plenty of calcium
Parmigiano Reggiano is not only an ally for those with intolerance, but also helps those who need to supplement their diet after eliminating dairy products.
Often, delactosed products are used, which originally contain lactose but undergo a chemical process that reduces it to very low percentages.
Parmigiano Reggiano, on the other hand, is naturally lactose-free and provides essential nutrients, such as calcium and phosphorus, in higher doses than other foods unsuitable for those with intolerance.
