I'm sorry you have such trouble w/ lactic acid, but all major allergy groups consider lactic acid (not lactic acid starter culture) to be safe for milk allergic individuals. I found this on the website for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
I had a patient ask about lactic acid which was listed in the ingredient list of a margarine. She is wondering if her child who has a milk allergy needs to avoid lactic acid.
The milk components that cause allergic reactions are proteins (e.g., lactalbumins, casein - see enclosed abstract). Lactic acid is not a protein but a natural, low molecular weight compound released in anerobic metabolism in our bodies. Indeed, excessive lactic acid release in the muscles may be a partial cause of the muscle cramps that occur in some people after sudden vigorous exercise, particular in those not used to such exercise. Therefore, one would not expect an allergic reaction in a milk-sensitive person to lactic acid present as a food component.
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