Susan, This must have been the most misunderstood post ever! I was not implying that lactose is directly utilized by the brain, but WAS stating that the energy release from lactose METABOLISM is exactly optimum for the needs of that hungry growing brain. Okay? Let this experience be a lesson to all of us to be brief in our posts. The more we say, the more there is to read, the faster we all attempt to get through it, and the less we understand and retain. Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC NYC [log in to unmask]