Lactose intolerance in infants
People with lactose intolerance have difficulty breaking down the lactose sugar found in dairy, because their bodies do not produce enough of the enzyme lactase.
This condition can appear in childhood due to genetic factors, and it is also found in many people in adulthood.
The body's inability to digest lactose leads to its accumulation in the digestive system, which may cause symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain and gas. These symptoms result directly from the breakdown of undigested lactose by bacteria in the large intestine.
It is important to distinguish between lactose intolerance and cow's milk allergy, as in the case of milk allergy, the immune system responds to the proteins found in milk, which leads to allergic symptoms such as skin rashes and difficulty breathing, unlike what happens in lactose intolerance, where the problem is digestive and not Immunity.
Causes of lactose intolerance in infants
Lactose intolerance, although rare in childhood, becomes more common with age. This allergy occurs due to problems related to the lactase enzyme, and the causes of its appearance include the following types:
First, the primary deficiency of the lactase enzyme, which is the most common, as about 70% of people affected by this allergy suffer from this type. This type is characterized by a gradual decrease in the activity of the enzyme over time, and symptoms may appear at any stage after the age of five, and usually It becomes more noticeable during the teenage years.
Second, congenital lactase deficiency, which is a rare genetic condition in which an infant is born without this enzyme from birth.
In some cases, children may suffer from a condition called secondary lactose intolerance, which is often associated with digestive problems resulting from exposure to certain infections such as gastroenteritis.
This infection may cause temporary damage to the inner membranes of the stomach and small intestine, and children with celiac disease may develop a temporary sensitivity to lactose.
This condition often improves over time, and symptoms usually improve within a few weeks. Also, some medications can cause symptoms of temporary lactose intolerance in infants and young children.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in infants
Some infants and newborns suffer from lactose intolerance, and this appears through several clear signs, such as the appearance of a skin rash in areas near the diaper.
The child may also show noticeable tension and discomfort, and is usually constantly moving.
As for nutrition, he may face difficulties during breastfeeding and notice that he does not gain weight at a normal rate, and therefore his growth rate is slower than usual.
It should be noted that these symptoms may be similar to symptoms of other health disorders, which necessitates communication with a health care specialist to confirm the diagnosis and discuss the optimal methods of treatment and follow-up.
Treatment of lactose intolerance in infants
- There is no cure for lactose intolerance in children and infants, and it is necessary to either avoid foods containing lactose completely or reduce the amounts consumed.
- For infants, continuing breastfeeding is an effective way to deal with lactose intolerance, even though breast milk contains 5-7% lactose.
- This milk provides the infant with essential nutrients including lactose, which plays an important role in their development.
- It is noteworthy that infants may be able to absorb limited amounts of lactose, and gradually increasing these amounts may contribute to stimulating their bodies to produce more of the lactase enzyme necessary to digest lactose.
Tips for living with lactose intolerance
For those who suffer from lactose intolerance, several strategies can be adopted to control symptoms and improve quality of life, including:
- Use types of milk that are low in lactose or completely lactose-free.
- Before consuming dairy products, it is recommended to take lactase enzyme supplements that help in breaking down lactose. These supplements are available in the form of drops or tablets that can be added to milk.
- Avoid unwanted symptoms by eating lactose-free foods during meals that contain milk, which helps slow digestion.
- Choose juices and other drinks fortified with calcium to compensate for possible deficiency.
- Include calcium-rich, dairy-free foods in the diet, such as broccoli, beans, tofu, and soy milk, in addition to hard cheeses such as cheddar, which contain less lactose.
- Yogurt rich in live bacteria is an ideal choice for those who have difficulty digesting lactose, as it improves digestion and reduces the possibility of symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.
- It is also important to check the details of packaged and previously prepared foods, such as bread, cakes and biscuits, to ensure that they do not contain lactose that may have actually been added to them. B
- In addition, it is important to be familiar with terms that may indicate the presence of lactose in ingredients such as butter, cheese and cream, as well as powdered milk and milk solids.
