This is why yogurt can be consumed by lactose maldigesters and lactose intolerants. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (24) has issued a scientific opinion that claims that the consumption of live yogurt cultures in yogurt, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp, bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, improves digestion of lactose in yogurt in individuals with lactose maldigestion. In order to bear the claim, the yogurt should contain at least 10 (8) live microorganisms per gram of yogurt.
References:
8. Amaretti, A et al. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2006;73:654-62.
24. Suchy, FJ et al. NIH Consens State Sci Statements 2010;27:1-27.
32. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, EFSA Journal 2010;8.