All About Lactose Intolerance In Toddlers

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Milk is an important nutritional supplement for a toddler. As toddlers are at an age of getting weaned from breastfeeding, milk from other sources should be included in their diet. But, unfortunately there are chances for some toddlers to develop gastrointestinal disturbances after consuming milk. The reason for this is mainly lactose intolerance.

According to Dr.Richard Grand, director of the Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, lactose intolerance generally occurs after two years of age. Lactose intolerance can occur in certain babies from birth itself, which is genetic.

It is important to distinguish lactose intolerance from allergies to animal milk protein. Once the condition is ruled out to be lactose intolerance, you have to take some extra care on your toddler's diet. Here, we may discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management of lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance in toddlers: Causes, Symptoms and treatment

Causes: Lactose intolerance is a condition where the body does not produce enough enzyme called lactase, which is needed to break down lactose, a sugar in milk. Lactase is needed to convert lactose to glucose and galactose, which are absorbed easily. When there's not enough lactase in the body, lactose passes into the large intestine where bacteria ferment it into gas and acids. This results in gastrointestinal disturbances.

Symptoms: Symptoms may vary from mild, moderate or severe depending on the tolerance of the toddler to lactose. General symptoms include cramps, abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhoea in about 30 minutes to 2 hours after taking any food or drink that has lactose. Lactose intolerance will not cause vomiting, but a food allergy can.

Diagnosis: Strict dietary avoidance of lactose and continuous follow-up is the main step in clinical diagnosis of lactose intolerance. Certain lab tests like lactose breath hydrogen test will help in diagnosing lactose intolerance and in differentiating it from animal milk protein allergy.

Management: Avoiding dairy products is not the remedy for all toddlers. Regulate the diet of your toddler under the supervision of a registered dietitian or a physician. Try short-term lactose restriction and introduce lactose slowly in an increasing amount. Including regulated amount of dairy products in your toddler's diet is recommended as it may not result in severe symptoms. Replace dairy products with other sources of calcium and Vitamin D if your toddler shows extreme discomfort.

Outlook: It is difficult to determine how much lactose your toddler can tolerate. So, be patient and monitor your toddler's dietary intake of milk and other dairy products. This will gradually let you know the tolerance limit of lactose for your toddler.

Remember that lactose intolerance is not an allergy to milk. Regulating the amount of lactose intake is important in the management of lactose intolerance.