Madeleine Hull
Lactose, a sugar in milk, is essential for a baby's health and development, providing about 40% of their energy needs and aiding calcium and iron absorption. However, some babies may struggle to digest lactose due to lactose intolerance, which can cause discomfort and digestive issues. Lactose intolerance in babies is uncommon, and symptoms include wind, stomach pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and nappy rash. If you suspect your baby has lactose intolerance, consult a healthcare professional for guidance on dietary changes, as lactose-free formulas are not always recommended.
Do babies need lactose in their diet?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is lactose intolerance? | An inability to digest lactose, an important carbohydrate in breast milk and milk-based formulas |
| What causes it? | The body not producing enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose into simple sugars for energy |
| How common is it? | Baby lactose intolerance is uncommon, but temporary lactose intolerance can occur after a stomach bug or antibiotics |
| What are the symptoms? | Diarrhea, crying, fussiness after consuming lactose, weight loss, wind, stomach pain, bloating, nappy rash |
| How is it diagnosed? | A reducing sugar test, a stool acidity test, a hydrogen breath test, or an elimination diet |
| What are the treatment options? | A lactose-free diet, lactase enzyme drops, a lactose-free formula (only on the advice of a healthcare professional), continuing breastfeeding |
| Are there any special considerations? | Lactose intolerance is different from a cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA); CMPA involves the immune system, while lactose intolerance does not |
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What You'll Learn
Lactose is important for a baby's health and development
Lactose is a sugar found in mammalian milk, including human breast milk. It is a crucial source of energy for babies, providing approximately 40% of their energy needs. This is especially important for babies who are breastfed or fed with milk formula, as lactose is one of the most important carbohydrates in breast milk and milk-based formulas.
Lactose also plays a vital role in helping babies absorb essential nutrients like calcium and iron. Calcium is critical for the development of strong bones and teeth. Iron, on the other hand, supports the baby's overall growth and cognitive development. By aiding in the absorption of these minerals, lactose indirectly contributes to the baby's overall health and well-being.
Lactose intolerance in babies is relatively uncommon. It occurs when a baby's body doesn't produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down and digesting lactose. Primary lactose intolerance, where the baby is born without any lactase enzymes, is an extremely rare genetic condition. Babies with this condition fail to thrive from birth, exhibiting symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, malabsorption, and dehydration, requiring immediate medical attention and a specialised diet.
Secondary lactose intolerance can develop later due to damage to the gut lining, which may be caused by various factors, including allergies or infections. Symptoms of lactose intolerance in babies include diarrhoea, nappy rash, stomach pain, bloating, and fussiness after consuming lactose. If these symptoms occur, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for guidance on managing the condition.
In summary, lactose is essential for a baby's health and development, providing energy and aiding in the absorption of critical nutrients. While lactose intolerance can occur in babies, it is uncommon, and symptoms should be carefully monitored and addressed with the guidance of a healthcare professional.
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Lactose intolerance symptoms in babies
Lactose intolerance in babies is uncommon, but not unheard of. Lactose intolerance occurs when the gut cannot break down lactose, a sugar present in all breast milk, dairy milk, and other dairy products. This means the gut cannot absorb lactose properly, so lactose moves through the gut and comes out in the baby's stool.
There are two types of lactose intolerance in babies: congenital lactase deficiency and secondary lactose intolerance. Congenital lactase deficiency is an extremely rare genetic condition where a baby is born without any lactase enzymes. This is a medical emergency, as babies with this condition will show obvious symptoms of malabsorption and dehydration, and fail to gain weight. They will need a special diet from birth. Secondary lactose intolerance occurs when anything damages the gut lining, as the enzyme lactase is produced in the very tips of the microscopic folds of the intestine.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in babies include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and a bloated stomach. Symptoms typically start within 30 minutes to 2 hours of consuming breast milk, milk-based formula, or solid foods containing dairy. However, lactose intolerance should not be confused with a milk allergy or other common digestive issues, which can present similar symptoms. A milk allergy is a type of food allergy that occurs when the immune system overreacts to dairy, and can be diagnosed by an allergist.
If you suspect your baby has lactose intolerance, you should speak to your GP or a dietitian. They may recommend removing foods containing lactose from your baby's diet for 1 to 2 weeks to see if their symptoms improve. If diagnostic testing confirms lactose intolerance, breastfeeding can usually be continued, as long as the baby is otherwise well and growing normally.
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Lactose intolerance is rare in infants
Lactose is a sugar found in milk and milk products. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body cannot easily break down or digest lactose. This happens when the small intestine does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose.
Lactose intolerance in infants is rare. Primary or congenital lactose intolerance is an extremely rare genetic condition. Babies born with this condition do not produce any lactase enzymes from birth and fail to thrive, showing symptoms of malabsorption and dehydration. This is a medical emergency, and babies with this condition need a special diet from soon after birth.
Secondary lactose intolerance is caused by damage to the gut lining, which can be due to various factors such as gastroenteritis. This type of lactose intolerance is often short-term and can be managed by continuing to breastfeed, as human milk assists with gut healing. In some cases, breastfeeding may be alternated with lactose-free formula, but this is generally only recommended for formula-fed babies who are malnourished and/or losing weight.
It is important to note that symptoms of lactose intolerance in infants can be similar to those of food allergies or other health conditions. If you suspect your baby may have lactose intolerance, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and guidance on treatment options.
If your baby is diagnosed with lactose intolerance, it is crucial to ensure they still receive adequate nutrition. Calcium, for example, is essential for growing and repairing bones and can be obtained from non-dairy sources such as green vegetables, fish with soft bones, and vitamin D supplements.
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Lactose intolerance is not an allergy
Lactose is a sugar found in all mammalian milk, including human breast milk. It is produced in the breast and the amount present in breast milk hardly changes. Babies get all their nutrition from milk, and they need an enzyme called lactase to digest lactose.
Lactose intolerance occurs when a person does not produce this enzyme or does not produce enough of it, and is therefore unable to digest lactose. If lactose isn't digested and broken down, it can't be absorbed. Instead, it continues on in the digestive tract until it reaches the large bowel, where bacteria break it down to produce acids and
If a baby shows symptoms of lactose intolerance, a doctor may recommend alternating breastfeeding with feeds of lactose-free formula. However, human milk remains the best food for a baby and will assist with gut healing. Lactose-free formula is only recommended if the baby is formula-fed and is very malnourished and/or losing weight.
It is very rare for babies to be born with lactose intolerance caused by a lack of lactase. This is a genetic condition called primary or congenital lactose intolerance, which is passed down from both parents to their child. Babies with this condition fail to thrive from birth and show obvious symptoms of malabsorption and dehydration. This is a medical emergency, and the baby will need a special diet from soon after birth.
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Lactose intolerance treatments
While lactose intolerance in babies is rare, it can occur in premature babies or newborns. In babies, lactose intolerance is a medical emergency and the baby will need a special diet from soon after birth. If you suspect your baby is lactose intolerant, consult a doctor immediately.
If your baby is diagnosed with lactose intolerance, continuing to breastfeed is safe as long as the baby is healthy and gaining weight normally. If your baby is formula-fed, a doctor may recommend a lactose-free formula. However, human milk is always preferable as it aids in gut healing. Additionally, it's important to consider your baby's sensitivity to foreign proteins before introducing formula.
For older children and adults with lactose intolerance, there are several treatment options to manage symptoms:
- Dietary changes: Most people with lactose intolerance can still consume some milk products without symptoms. Try experimenting with different dairy products and serving sizes to determine your tolerance level. For example, hard cheeses like Swiss or cheddar generally cause no symptoms, while ice cream and milk contain higher amounts of lactose. Additionally, cultured milk products like yogurt may be better tolerated due to the bacteria that aid in breaking down lactose.
- Lactase supplements: Taking lactase tablets or adding lactase drops to milk can help break down lactose, reducing the chances of experiencing lactose intolerance symptoms. However, check with your doctor before using lactase products as they may not be suitable for everyone.
- Vitamin and calcium supplements: Since dairy is a significant source of calcium and vitamin D, ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients through supplements may be necessary. Consult your doctor for guidance on appropriate supplementation.
It's important to note that the treatment approach depends on the underlying cause of lactose intolerance. If it is caused by an injury or condition affecting the small intestine, treating that underlying issue may restore the body's ability to digest lactose, but this process can take months.
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Frequently asked questions
Lactose is the sugar in all mammalian milk and provides around 40% of a baby's energy needs. It also helps them absorb calcium and iron.
Lactose intolerance occurs when a person does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose. Symptoms include wind, stomach pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and nappy rash. Lactose intolerance is rare in infants.
If your baby has diarrhoea, cries and fusses soon after consuming lactose, or is not gaining weight, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a stool acidity test or a breath test to detect lactose intolerance. If your baby is diagnosed with lactose intolerance, you may need to switch to lactose-free formula, but only on the advice of a healthcare professional.
