Some people need to be cautious with their yogurt intake, as it may cause adverse effects, especially in those with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body lacks lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, which is the sugar found in milk. It leads to various digestive symptoms, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, after consuming milk products.

Therefore, those with lactose intolerance may need to avoid yogurt.

However, some people who are lactose intolerant may be able to tolerate it. This is because some of the lactose is broken down during production, and probiotics may assist with its digestion ( 66 ).

If you are lactose intolerant, it may be a matter of trial and error to determine if eating yogurt works for you.

Milk Allergy

Milk products contain casein and whey, which are proteins that some people are allergic to. In these cases, milk triggers a reaction that can range from hives and swelling to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

For this reason, it’s best to avoid yogurt if you have a milk allergy.

Added Sugar

Many types of yogurt contain high amounts added sugar, especially those labeled as low in fat. Excess sugar intake is associated with several health problems, including diabetes and obesity ( 67 , 68 , 69 ).

Therefore, it’s important to read food labels and avoid brands that list sugar in the ingredients.