Lactose is a type of sugar naturally found in milk and dairy products. It’s sometimes called “milk sugar.”

Examples of foods with lactose:

• Milk (cow, goat, sheep)
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Ice cream
• Some baked goods and processed foods

EtymologyEtymology is the study of the origin and history of words. It’s like detective work, tracing how words have changed over time and moved between languages. Think of it like this: • Words have a long history, just like old… Read More: The Word “Lactose”

The word “lactose” has a few interesting originsWhat is an origin? An origin is the starting point, the place or source where something begins. It’s like the very first chapter in the story of that thing. Examples: • The origin of a river: Where the river first… Read More:

• Latin: comes from the Latin word “lac” or “lactis,” meaning “milk.”.
• Suffix “-ose”: This suffix is often used to denote sugarsIn everyday terms, sugar refers to the sweet, crystalline substance we add to coffee, bake into cakes, or find naturally in fruits. But from a scientific perspective, sugar encompasses a broader category of molecules called carbohydrates. These are the body’s… Read More (think glucoseImagine glucose as the tiny batteries powering every cell in your body. It’s a simple sugar, the primary energy source for your brain, muscles, and all your organs. Whether you’re sprinting, thinking, or even just breathing, glucose is the fuel… Read More, fructoseFructose is a type of sugar found naturally in fruits and some vegetables. It’s also added to processed foods and drinks, contributing to its high consumption. Think of it like this: • Fructose is the sweetest of the naturally occurring… Read More).

So, “lactose” literally translates to something like “milk sugar.”