Lactic acid

[Louise2704]

Hi guys! I am new here after finding out thay I have an intolerance to dairy products. I just have one quick question - can I eat vegetable or sunflower spreads that contain lactic acid or is this the same sort of thing as lactose? Very confused at the moment :blink:

[Pam]

Lactic acid can be milk derived but generally comes from elsewhere (plants I think). I've looked it up in the past but can't remember exactly what it says now.

You can't be entirely sure unless you contact the manufacturer and most of them probably wouldn't be able to tell you. The products marked vegan are definitely safe but otherwise it is very much a lottery. Lots of foods contain lactic acid and my daughter doesn't seem to have a reaction to them so I think most are safe. It all depends on the degree to which you are allergic/intolerant and whether it is worth the risk to yourself.

[Steve]

Lactic Acid is also produced naturally by the body. It builds up in muscles during exercise.