33. Lactose and galactose content of cheese

Abstract

There has been little quantitative data available about the lactose content of cheese. Some medical conditions, particularly galactosaemia, would benefit from the inclusion of very low lactose/ galactose cheese in their diet. The UK Galactosaemia Medical Advisory Panel definition of suitable cheese for galactosaemia is that it consistently contains undetectable quantities of lactose (<10 mg/100 g) and galactose. Since 2001, The UK Galactosaema Support Group commissioned eight separate lactose and galactose analyses on 134 samples of 15 cheese types. Repeated analysis of Swiss Emmental (block, grated and sliced), Gruyere, Norwegian Jarlsberg and the West Country Cheese Makers Association Mature Cheddar Cheese (produced in one area of England where the manufacturing process is standardized and guaranteed) demonstrated that they all contain undetectable amounts of lactose and galactose. These cheese types are now permitted in a low galactose diet and are well accepted and provide a useful source of nutrition.