What food type is lactose most commonly found in?

Lactose is a disaccharide sugar primarily found in milk and dairy products, which includes both human and animal sources. When you consume dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, your body typically breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose through the action of the enzyme lactase. This makes dairy a significant source of energy and nutrients, particularly in terms of calcium and proteins.

Understanding that lactose is predominantly associated with dairy clarifies why options relating to vegetables, cereals, and nuts do not contain it. These food types do not naturally have lactose, which is specific to the milk and milk-derived products, establishing the significant link of lactose with dairy.