No, raw milk cannot cure lactose intolerance

A video on YouTube, which had garnered 49,000 views and 1,400 likes at the time of writing this story, claims that raw milk can cure lactose intolerance – the inability to digest lactose i.e. the sugar in milk and its products. The video claims that during pasteurization the enzyme lactase, which breaks down sugar is destroyed, but natural raw milk contains both lactase and lactose, making it easily digestible. The video also asserts that raw milk is highly nutritious.  

We examined the veracity of all these claims in the video. 

Claim 1: Raw milk contains both lactose and lactase

There is no scientific evidence to support the statement. In 2011, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clarified that both milk and raw milk contain lactose. The website states, “There is no indigenous lactase in milk. Raw milk advocates claim that raw milk does not cause lactose intolerance because it contains lactase secreted by “beneficial” or probiotic bacteria present in raw milk.” 

UK’s Food Safety Agency also states, “Raw or unpasteurized milk and cream may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.”

A study published in 2014 by Stanford titled “Effect of Raw Milk on Lactose Intolerance: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study” assessed the effects of raw milk, pasteurized milk, and soy milk in 16 adults. The study found that there was no improvement in lactose intolerance symptoms with the consumption of raw milk compared to pasteurized milk. Another review published in 2018 highlights that the safety of raw milk can't be guaranteed.

Speaking to Logically Facts, Nutritionist Dr. Amita Gadre said, “Both raw milk and pasteurized milk contain lactose, and if you are lactose intolerant, you will face digestive problems even with raw milk.”

Highlighting the risks associated with the consumption of raw milk, Kara Lynch, a registered dietitian, wrote a blogpost in 2021 for Michigan State University that raw milk can harbor dangerous microorganisms and may pose serious health risks. 

The article highlights that the risk of an outbreak from drinking raw milk is 150 times higher than pasteurized milk. It also states, “Milk allergies are caused by a reaction to the milk protein and a response to the sugar lactose causes lactose intolerance – neither of which are different in raw milk and does not protect you from these.”

Claim 2: Raw milk is more nutritious 

Pasteurization ensures the safety of milk and increases its shelf life. According to FDA “Numerous studies have indicated that pasteurization has minimal impact on milk nutritional quality.”

Dr. Gadre said, “Pasteurization does not affect any of the nutrients in milk. It is done simply to make milk safer for drinking and to reduce the load of harmful bacteria. The fact that it improves the 'fridge life' of milk and makes milk accessible to more people is an added plus.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns against consuming raw milk and categorizes it as “one of the riskiest foods.” Raw milk and products made from raw milk, including soft cheese, ice cream, and yogurt can be contaminated with germs and can cause serious illnesses. 

CDC also highlighted that no evidence shows that there are nutritional benefits of drinking raw milk.

The bottom line is...

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body doesn't produce enough lactase, an enzyme to digest milk sugar known as lactose, present in the milk. According to Cleveland Clinic, lactose intolerance is the inability to break down and absorb lactose in your small intestine, which leads to lactose later entering your large intestine and triggering symptoms. 

The fact is that all milk, raw or pasteurized, contains lactose and can cause lactose intolerance if one is sensitive to it. CDC warns that “raw milk can be contaminated and make you very sick.”

The verdict

We rate this claim as false as there is no scientific literature to support the claim.