What is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?

A food allergy is an abnormal response of the immune system to the proteins contained in a given food.

The severity of the allergic reaction in some people and the difficulty of removing certain foods from one’s diet  makes food allergies a public health issue.

Lactose intolerance is generally a reaction to the consumption of nutrients other than proteins, for example sugars (lactose, fructose, etc.).

In the case of lactose intolerance, the reaction is related to the lack of an the lactase enzyme which breaks down sugar or lactose contained in all dairy products. This mainly results in digestive issues. People with milder cases of lactose intolerance can often tolerate small quantities of lactose and, consequently, dairy products.

Gluten intolerance (also known as celiac disease) is the exception to this, as it is a serious disease linked to the ingestion of wheat proteins that requires sufferers to completely remove gluten from their diet for life.

Are goat milk products suitable for people with high cholesterol?

YES, people with high cholesterol can still consume a reasonable amount of dairy products, i.e. 2 portions per day, be that cow or goat milk products.

It is worth bearing in mind that excessive levels of cholesterol in the blood (hypercholesterolemia) can be a major cardiovascular risk factor. Although cheeses contain saturated fatty acids can be responsible for high cholesterol anything in moderation can be perfectly fine in one's diet. 

On the contrary, if consumed in moderation saturated fatty acids in cheese have been shown to have a positive effect on blood cholesterol. (Source: Lecerf JM, Legrand P, 2015. Feeney EL et al., 2018).

It is worth noting that foods rich in fiber help reduce the levels of cholesterol. With this in mind, try to combine your goat cheese with wholegrain breads or breads with nuts!

For more information, see our article: "I’m on a diet - are dairy products out of the question?"

Are goat milk products suitable for children?

YES, but only from a certain age.

Yogurts and white cheese made from cow or goat milk can be offered to children occasionally from age 6 months +.

Between 8 months and 1 year, you can start to gradually give them a small amount of cheese. All dairy products labelled “suitable for young children” are better suited to their specific needs and better for them. After 18-months, goat milk products should be a normal part of a children diet for it is easier on their digestion tract moreso than cow milk. This new dairy source will open them up to a wide range of flavors and to reach the recommended servings of 3 dairy products per day.

Different types of dairy products you give to children helps to strike a good balance of calcium, salt and fat in their diet.

Are goat milk products suitable for people on a diet?

YES, it is perfectly possible to consume dairy products including goat milk products while you are on a diet. You simply need to choose the right cheese and consume them in moderate quantities.

As such, you can eat 2 portions per day, as long as you opt for cheeses that are low in fat and salt and high in calcium, as well as limiting your intake of fatty and sugary dairy desserts.

Contrary to popular belief, in moderation consuming dairy products can actually have a neutral or even positive effect against weight gain or type 2 diabetes (Source: Collective expertise report, ANSES [November 2016]).

For more information, see our article: “I’m on a diet - are dairy products out of the question?”

If you have difficulty digesting dairy products, can you consume goat milk products?

Nutritional experts believe that goat milk is gentler on the digestive system than cow milk. It makes sense. There are lower levels of lactose, smaller fat gobules and the fat has a healthier fatty acid composition... An additional benefit isa higher level of protein.

Lactose intolerance people are unable to digest the natural sugars in milk.

In most cases, lactose intolerance is related to the absorption of a large quantity of lactose in liquid form (e.g.: a glass of milk). Some people have symptoms after eating cheese or yogurt even though they contain a great deal less milk, or milk in a predigested form. No medical study has proven that goat milk products are easier to digest than cow milk but people often report feeling that goat milk products are gentler on their digestive system.

For more information, see our articles: “Lactose intolerance: there’s a right dose for everyone!” or “Can I continue eating dairy products if I’m lactose intolerant?”.