Healthline: Medical information and health advice you can trust.

IN A NUTSHELL

Did you know that around 68% of the world’s population has difficulty digesting lactose?

Lactose intolerance happens when your small intestine cannot break down all the lactose you eat. This can lead to digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

You may have heard that you can enjoy A2 dairy even if you have lactose intolerance. Below, registered dietitian Jennifer Husson gives us her honest opinion.

•

Food to Enjoy: Sheet Pan Barramundi with Vegetables

•

News to Know: Keto Diet May Offer Benefits Beyond Weight Loss

•

Tips to Live Well: Top 20 Foods High in Soluble Fiber

•

Condition Spotlight: Auvelity Side Effects: Common Reactions and Safety Information

Hope this helps!
Ginger Wojcik
Senior Newsletter Editor

Written by Ginger Wojcik
October 28, 2026 • 2 min read

I’m lactose intolerant. Can I have A2 dairy?

Let’s Ask an Expert

Q:	I’m lactose intolerant. Can I have A2 dairy?

The short answer is A2 milk contains the same amount of lactose as regular milk, so if you have true lactose intolerance, it can still cause digestive symptoms.

A2 milk is cow’s milk that contains only A2 type of beta-casein protein, instead of both A1 and A2 beta-casein that is found in conventional milk.

Where A2 may help is if the A1 protein is contributing to digestive symptoms. When A1 beta-casein is digested, it releases a compound called BCM-7, which may trigger digestive symptoms in some people. A small study, funded by the A2 milk industry, found that people with lactose intolerance had fewer symptoms with A2 milk than with regular milk. It’s worth calling out that A2 milk is typically more expensive. In my local area today, a half-gallon of A2 milk is $6, compared to $3 for conventional milk.

My recommendation: If you have never been formally diagnosed with lactose intolerance and experience digestive symptoms after drinking regular milk, it may be worth trying to see if A2 helps you, as long as it fits within your budget. If you have lactose intolerance, skip the A2 and go with lactose-free milk or dairy-free alternatives like soy, almond, or oat milk.

Jennifer Husson

Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com, and we’ll look into it for you! (Heads-up: We may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.)

HEALTHLINE VIDEO

A Gastroenterologist Breaks Down The Raw Milk Trend

Is raw milk safe to drink, and if not, why are some states pushing to legalize it?

WATCH NOW

THE TAKEOUT

What we’re digesting

💡 Glomerulonephritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

🤍 Tight Chest: Anxiety, Heaviness, Stress, Shortness of Breath

🥗 Cappuccino vs. Latte vs. Macchiato — What’s the Difference?

💤 Not All Sleep Is Restorative — What to Know About Improving Your Rest

Until next time,

Take care of yourself, and we’ll see
you again soon!

This edition was powered by

happy tummies.

View in browser

Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here.
To see all newsletters, click here.

Privacy | Update Preferences or Unsubscribe

We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy.

Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.

Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline’s or Optum Now’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health.