Has your child ever had gastrointestinal difficulties after drinking a glass of milk or eating dairy products? If your child has these symptoms, your child may have what is known as lactose intolerance, and your child is not alone. Lactose intolerance is a common condition that occurs in 30 to 50 million Americans.
Lactose intolerance occurs because an individual lacks the enzyme lactase, or is deficient for lactase in the small intestine. Lactase normally breaks down lactose into the basic sugars glucose and galactose so it can be absorbed into the blood and taken up by cells for metabolic functioning. When lactose is not broken down, it attracts fluids into the bowels, causing bloating. When the undigested lactose gets to the colon, bacteria react to the fermented sugars and absorb additional fluid, increasing flatulence.
There are three known causes of lactose intolerance. Primary adult hypolactasia occurs in adults who are deficient in the lactase enzyme. Another cause of lactose intolerance is congenital alactasia, in which an individual is born without the ability to produce the lactase enzyme. Congenital alactasia is rare. The third and usual cause of lactose intolerance in children is through injury or illness to the gastrointestinal system, also known as secondary or acquired hypolactasia. An injury to the digestive system can significantly reduce the levels of lactase enzyme produced. According to a research study conducted by Srinivasan and Minocha, individuals produce less lactase after age two, when they are weaned. Most people do not show symptoms until later in life; however, certain ethnicities are predisposed to higher deficiencies, and exhibit those symptoms earlier. The ethnicities prone to this condition include up to 75% of African Americans and Native Americans, and up to 90% of Asians.
Symptoms that indicate a child is lactose intolerant include nausea, cramping, bloating, gas or flatulence, and diarrhea. The symptoms vary according to the child’s tolerance of lactose. Normally, symptoms appear within half an hour to two hours after ingestion of lactose-containing foods. Small to medium-sized portions of lactose cause bloating, cramps, and gas. Larger intakes of lactose cause diarrhea.
Several tests have been designed by doctors to diagnose a lactose intolerant child. Doctors use the stool acidity test on infants and young children to diagnose lactose intolerance. The lactose that has remained undigested and has fermented in the colon creates acids that are detectible in the stool sample. Another test used for diagnosis is the lactose tolerance test. In this test, a lactose-containing drink is administered to the individual, and the resulting stools are tested 24 hours after ingestion. The hydrogen breath test measures the levels of hydrogen on an individual’s breath at intervals after fermentation of intestinal lactose. The lactose tolerance test and the hydrogen breath test are not recommended for children since dehydration may occur due to diarrhea after the ingestion of the lactose-containing drink.
Having lactose intolerance is not a life-ending event. The condition is treatable. Children who have this condition should avoid eating foods containing lactose. This includes all dairy products and foods containing hidden lactose, such as candies, breads, mixed potato dishes, processed cereals, pancake and cake mixes, and non-kosher lunch meats. Read the labels of foods in the market and avoid any foods that have whey, curds, milk by-products, dry milk solids, and nonfat dry milk powder on the ingredients list.
Because dairy foods contain calcium and Vitamin D which is essential for growth and the repair of bones, calcium-rich foods are recommended for children who are lactose intolerant. Green vegetables that are high in calcium and low in oxalates, such as broccoli and kale, are recommended. Salmon and sardines, fish with soft bones, and yogurt with active cultures are also good sources of calcium. Parents may substitute milk with soymilk. If you feel that your child is not getting enough calcium, your doctor may recommend additional calcium supplements to meet the nutritional needs of your child.
Another concern parents may have with their lactose intolerant child is whether the child is receiving sufficient levels of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary for the body because it absorbs calcium. Foods rich in Vitamin D, but not on a child’s favorites list, include eggs and liver. Sunlight also provides the body with Vitamin D. Again, if you feel your child is not getting enough Vitamin D, the doctor may recommend Vitamin D supplements. You should check with your doctors to plan meals accordingly for your child.
Now have lactase enzyme pills and lactase liquids or tablets that may help digest the lactose; however, it is safer to avoid eating dairy-related foods. Don’t forget – millions have the condition, and have lived full lives. Your child can lead a healthy and normal life with the proper dietary adjustments.
