Lactose Intolerance — Does It Also Occur in Babies and Infants?

Many people believe that milk allergy is the same as lactose intolerance. However, that may not be the case. While milk allergy has roots in the immune system, lactose intolerance is a digestive system problem and is not life-threatening.

It is also not true that only adults face this condition. Lactose intolerance has much likelihood to start showing symptoms in early childhood. Many babies and infants have been facing discomfort due to this problem. Explore here some of the basics to handle it right.

How Lactose Intolerance Shows Up

Lactose is a type of sugar present in dairy products, as well as some bread, canned foods, and cereals. The lactase enzyme present in the small intestine breaks it down for absorption. However, a reduced level or lack of this enzyme in a baby’s body may lead to the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Thus, not every baby faces the same level of discomfort with it.

Some key symptoms that you may notice in your lactose intolerant infant are:

· Watery diarrhoea

· Gas and loose stool

· Nausea

· Abdominal pain

· Abdominal cramps

· Stomach bloating

How to Check the Problem

While you may check lactose intolerance in your infant by taking lactose products in and out of the diet for some time, it is not at all recommended in case of babies who are only dependent on breastmilk or formula milk as their food. In such cases, on noticing the problem symptoms, you must visit your doctor to perform a few easy tests to identify lactose intolerance.

Is Lactose Intolerance a common condition in Babies?

Lactose intolerance is not a common condition in babies below 3 years of age. It usually develops later while the condition may be present from an early age. It happens because babies usually have lactase enzyme at birth. The level of this enzyme may start lowering with age. In babies, lactose intolerance may also occur temporarily due to certain viral infections or stomach bugs. It is also not a lifelong condition in several cases.

Caring for the Diet of Lactose Intolerant Babies

If your baby has lactose intolerance, you should first consult your doctor regarding his/her diet. Depending on the mother’s milk is a safe thing to do, as that does not cause any problem, while the baby keeps getting the required nutrition. In the case of an infant above six months of age, parents start feeding them other dairy products and cereals.

Here, they should be cautious if lactose intolerance is identified. As a solid diet, parents may go for lactose-free formula milk for babies or foods like rice, beans, and fruit juices. To supplement them with more calcium, they may also depend on green veggies like kale, spinach or broccoli. Infants can also drink almond milk and soy milk that are free of lactose.

Identifying the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance in your baby or infant can help you select the right type of milk and eatables that do not cause them pain or discomfort.