Baby Lactose Intolerance
Intolerance to lactose, the main carbohydrate in cow’s milk and breast milk, is a condition that requires special care and planning, especially for infants. This condition is different from milk allergy.
Lactose is composed of two sugars, glucose and galactose. Normally, lactase, an enzyme located on the cells lining the digestive tract, breaks down lactose into its component sugars. Lactose cannot be absorbed unless it is broken down. If it is not digested, it stays in the intestine where bacteria turn it to hydrogen gas and acid. The gas causes bloating and sometimes cramps. The acid irritates the bowel and causes watery stools.
There are three forms of lactose intolerance: congenital ( present at birth or hereditary), or primary; secondary (related to another underlying physical disorder); and physiologic, or age related. Congenital lactose is rare, but it is a permanent condition. Lactase deficiency causes the newborn to have profuse, watery, diarrhea. Infants cannot survive on a formula containing lactose, but they do well when fed a lactose-free formula, such as a soybean derivative.
Secondary lactose intolerance can happen after an episode of infectious diarrhea or other gastrointestinal disease. The lactose intolerance develops because most of the enzyme that breaks lactose into its component sugars is located in the mature cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Any process that disrupts normal maturing of cells lining the bowel or injures the gastrointestinal tract can lower levels of lactase and make it hard to digest lactose. This lactose intolerance is not permanent, but the time it takes for lactase to regain normal function varies, depending on what caused the problem and the recuperative powers of the individual.
Finally, a large proportion of the world’s population – especially blacks and Orientals – loses the ability to digest lactose with age. The age when this occurs and the degree of lactose intolerance. Age-related lactose intolerance does not develop before 3 years of age in black children or 5 years of age in white children.
People with lactase deficiencies are placed on lactose-free or lactose-reduced diets. These diets limit all types of untreated milk (whole, low fat, skim, buttermilk, powdered, evaporated, and condensed). Lactose-free milk, which has been pretreated with lactase, is widely available in supermarkets. Several lactase enzyme preparations, which are added to milk to break down most of the lactose, can be used by people with limited tolerance to lactose. In addition, enzyme capsules, which are taken with meals to process lactose in the body, are available.
Lactose-free diets also avoid milk byproducts such as yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and some kinds of sherbet. Foods containing milk or milk solids – prepared mixes such as muffins, waffles, pancakes, biscuits; some dried cereals and most instant hot cereals; commercial cakes, cookies, and pie crusts; margarine and salad dressings made with milk or milk solids; creamed vegetables; hot dogs made with milk solids; and creamed soups and chowders – also are eliminated. (see also the discussion of milk allergies, earlier in this chapter.) Other lactose-containing foods that may be excluded from the diet are chewing gum, chocolate, peppermint, butterscotch, and many artificial sweeteners. Labels, once again, should be read carefully.
When all products containing milk are eliminated, calcium supplements are necessary. However, parents should consult a physician before giving any supplements to a child. The child’s pediatrician, who is most likely familiar with the condition, will be able to recommend the proper supplement.
Maybe you interested with other article from Michelle L Barron about Assisting Families in Making Appropriate Feeding Choices: Cow's Milk Protein Allergy versus Lactose Intolerance.: An article from: Pediatric Nursing
Please also check my previous article about milk allergies in infant
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