Lactose intolerance happens when the body can’t easily break down or digest lactose, a sugar in milk and milk products. If your child has lactose intolerance, they may have uncomfortable symptoms after eating or drinking milk products.
Read on to learn more about lactose intolerance in children and what you can do to help if your child is lactose intolerant.
What are lactose intolerance symptoms in children?
The symptoms usually start to appear after age five, but they can show up as early as two years old in African American kids. If your child is lactose intolerant, they will develop symptoms thirty minutes to two hours after consuming foods or drinks containing lactose. Common symptoms include:
- Upset stomach
- Cramps
- Bloating and abdominal pain
- Gas
- Diarrhea
The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of lactose consumed and your child’s lactose intolerance level. It is important to note that lactose intolerance isn’t a food allergy, and while the symptoms can be unpleasant, they aren’t life-threatening.
What causes lactose intolerance in children?
Lactose intolerance is caused by the small intestine not making enough of the enzyme lactase. Lactase breaks down lactose when it enters the digestive system. However, the body can’t break down or digest lactose if there is insufficient lactase.
Other factors that can cause lactose intolerance in children include:
- Digestive diseases or infections such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
- Injuries to the small intestine
- Taking certain medicines
- Premature birth
- Family history of lactose intolerance
While lactose intolerance can happen to anyone, the risk for your child increases if they are born prematurely, although this may resolve itself as they grow. It is also much more common in people of Asian, African, Native American, and Hispanic backgrounds.
How is lactose intolerance diagnosed in children?
Lactose intolerance is usually diagnosed after a physical exam and tests that can check how well lactose is absorbed in your child’s digestive system. Your experienced pediatrician may conduct a lactose intolerance test, a hydrogen breath test, or a stool acidity test.
How is lactose intolerance treated in children?
Any treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and your child’s age and general health. Treatment usually starts with minimizing the number of milk products in your child’s diet. Many great dairy-free options and lactase supplements can help your child’s digestive system break down lactose when they consume dairy products.
It will take some trial and error to find the proper diet for your child, and it is helpful to keep a food diary to document the foods that your child can digest with little or no problem, as well as the milk products that cause symptoms. A lot of the time, mixing up food groups can make it easier for your child to tolerate lactose, such as having a dairy-free sandwich with a small glass of milk.
What about calcium?
Dairy products are the best source of calcium available, so it is recommended that you don’t cut it out entirely from your child’s diet. Fortunately, there are now many lactose-free dairy products on the market. Other products that are great sources of calcium include:
- Soy milk
- Green, leafy vegetables like broccoli and kale
- Beans and nuts
- Salmon
- Tofu
Finding the right diet is essential to minimize the symptoms and ensure your child gets the nutrition they need.
If you need any advice or are concerned about your child’s digestive health, call us today to book an appointment with one of our board-certified pediatricians.