Wellness - Nutrition | 1-6 yrs
Tackling Lactose Intolerance In Children
ParentCircle
Lactose intolerance is a condition that occurs due to the inefficiency of the small intestine to make enough of an enzyme called lactase. The human body requires lactase to break down or digest, lactose. Lactose is a type of natural sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
Lactose intolerants face stomach cramps, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloating, gas troubles etc. because of the movement of undigested lactose through the large intestine (colon). Some children with lactose intolerance cannot digest any milk products, at all, whereas, others can consume small amounts of milk/dairy products without many problems. After consuming milk or any other dairy products Lactose intolerant babies or toddlers act fussy, followed by having nausea and diarrhoea.
Most of the times, Lactose intolerance is wrongly interpreted as milk allergy. “Lactose intolerance can typically be distinguished from milk allergy by less severe symptoms and a person’s history of problems with dairy, but sometimes doctors aren’t able to differentiate the two right away,” explains Chris Iliades in his article ‘Lactose Intolerance or Milk Allergy: What's the Difference?’ which was published at everydayhealth.
In children below the age of 2, lactose intolerance is rare, but there are some newborn babies who are lactose-intolerant. A few in these rare cases are premature babies who have temporary lactose intolerance because they are not yet able to make lactase. After a baby begins to make lactase, the condition usually goes away. The biggest challenge that lactose intolerants face is to learn to eat by avoiding discomfort and yet, to get enough calcium for healthy bones.
Learn more about lactose intolerance and help your baby fight it. Read the ClipBook “Tackling lactose intolerance in children,” for various facts and information on this.
If this ClipBook has provided you with sufficient information, hit a ‘like,’ and let us know.
Understanding Lactose Intolerance
Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy foods. Lactose intolerance does not mean you are allergic to milk, but you will probably feel bad after drinking milk or eating cheese, ice cream, or anything else containing lactose.
Lactose Intolerance In Babies
Babies and toddlers with lactose intolerance lack the enzyme lactase, which is what helps break down lactose, the sugar found in milk.
Lactose Intolerance And Milk Allergy: What's The Difference?
Both lactose intolerance and milk allergy could cause you to avoid dairy products, but they are not the same. Here's how to tell the difference, and how to still maintain a balanced diet.
Managing Lactose Intolerance
This overview of how to manage lactose intolerance focuses on the recommendations of national authorities such as the National Institutes of Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition, and the National Medical Association.
Foods With Hidden Lactose
Lactose is often added to prepared foods, and people with very low tolerance for lactose may develop symptoms when they consume these products.
Lactose Intolerance: Myths
Misconceptions regarding lactose intolerance can result in elimination of dairy products from the diet, potentially leading to nutrient shortfalls and risk of adverse health outcomes. Dispelling lactose intolerance myths can help avoid these negat...
Probiotics May Help Ease Lactose Intolerance
Instead of always skipping the ice cream and cheese, many people with lactose intolerance may consider probiotics to help alleviate the digestive health issues associated with consuming dairy products.
Lactose Intolerance - Diet And Treatment
The best way to manage your lactose intolerance is to maintain a lactose-free diet or keep your periodic consumption of lactose below the 12-gram limit.
