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.
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