The functioning of the digestive system is important for the healthy growth and development of babies. Lactose intolerance in babies is a condition that occurs when the digestive system cannot digest lactose. The condition that arises when the lactose sugar in milk and dairy products cannot be digested is called lactose intolerance. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, and irritability. It can be managed through proper diagnosis and dietary changes.
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder that arises due to the insufficient production or ineffective use of the enzyme lactase in the digestive system.
Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products, and the enzyme lactase is necessary for breaking down and digesting this sugar. If there is insufficient lactase enzyme in babies, lactose cannot be digested in the intestines, leading to associated digestive system complaints.
What Are the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance in Babies?
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in babies can appear as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and irritability. These symptoms may become more pronounced after the baby consumes milk.
Symptoms noticeable by parents may include:
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Diarrhea
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Irritability and crying after feeding
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Abdominal pain and squirming movements
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Slowed or halted weight gain
Symptoms may also develop due to different causes, and specialist evaluation is required for accurate diagnosis.
How Can Lactose Intolerance Be Diagnosed in Babies?
Lactose intolerance is usually diagnosed in babies through the observation of symptoms and tests conducted by a doctor. The hydrogen breath test is a method that measures hydrogen levels in the breath after giving a certain amount of lactose to the individual.
In individuals with normal lactose digestion, the hydrogen in the breath is at low levels. In those with lactose digestion problems in the intestines, hydrogen levels in the breath increase.
How is Lactose Intolerance Treated in Babies?
The treatment of lactose intolerance in babies varies according to each child's individual needs and the severity of the intolerance. Therefore, the treatment process should be planned under the supervision of a specialist doctor.
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Babies Fed with Breast Milk
In babies diagnosed with lactose intolerance, breast milk may not need to be stopped. Breast milk is the most valuable nutritional source for the healthy growth and development of the baby. In necessary situations, lactase enzyme drops may be recommended in addition to breast milk by the physician.
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Babies Fed with Formula
In babies using formula, lactose-free formula may be chosen according to the physician's assessment.
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Temporary Lactose Intolerance
Intestinal infections can lead to temporary lactose intolerance, and after the digestive system recovers, babies can mostly tolerate lactose again. During this process, the diet can be temporarily adjusted according to the physician's recommendation.
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Babies Transitioning to Solid Foods
For babies starting solid foods, choosing foods that do not contain lactose may be appropriate. Foods with low lactose levels can be gradually and carefully included in the diet with doctor approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lactose intolerance be treated in babies?
Lactose intolerance seen in babies is a temporary condition. Cases seen after intestinal infections may improve over time. However, in some babies, it may persist longer.
Can babies who are breastfed have lactose intolerance?
Although rarely, lactose intolerance may develop in breastfed babies. However, breast milk is the most valuable nutritional source for the baby's development. Breastfeeding is not stopped, and special methods may be applied if the physician deems necessary.
Does lactose-free formula negatively affect the baby's development?
No. Lactose-free formulas used upon physician recommendation continue to meet the nutritional needs of the baby. The important thing is that the formula change is made under doctor supervision.
How can lactose intolerance symptoms be distinguished from milk protein allergy?
Both conditions may cause complaints in the digestive system. Differently, milk protein allergy is a condition involving the immune system and may exhibit different symptoms such as skin rashes.