How Do I Know If My Child Is Lactose Intolerant?

A lactose-intolerant child is one whose body does not produce the enzyme lactase. This enzyme allows us to correctly process and assimilate the lactose contained in the food we eat. Lactose, also known as “milk sugar”, is present in milk produced by female mammals.

Lactose helps correct calcium absorption and promotes bone mineralization. Dairy-derived foods contain lactose, including milk, yogurt, ice cream, butter and cheese.

What is lactose intolerance?

It is a condition that occurs after ingestion of lactose due to a lack of lactase secretion. The body does not efficiently absorb lactose. Therefore, sugar reaches the colon and is fermented by bacteria that reside there, causing gas, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation and, in other cases, diarrhea.

Even when this disorder does not damage the gastrointestinal tract, a child with lactose intolerance may experience the aforementioned discomforts and feel very unwell.

How do I know if my child is lactose intolerant?

The recurrent presence of the symptoms mentioned above may indicate that this condition is present, although there are other clinical conditions with symptoms similar to lactose intolerance.  Based on this, it is important to talk to your pediatrician so that you can perform the following tests that confirm the diagnosis :

Lactose Tolerance Test

This test is  based on measuring the glucose present in the blood after having ingested lactose. If glucose levels are not altered or increased, it is clear that lactose is not being absorbed properly.

respiratory exam

To perform this exam, the patient must have ingested foods with a high lactose content. The doctor measures the increase in hydrogen that we normally excrete through the lungs, in small amounts and at regular intervals. If expired amounts exceed normal levels, the test will be determined to be positive.

Examination s stools

It tries to identify the acidity in the stool when children are very young, and it is difficult to apply previous tests. Undigested lactose is fermented and produces lactic acid, one of the acids that can be detected in a child’s stool.

How to help your child if he is lactose intolerant?

If your child has been diagnosed with lactose intolerance, you should avoid feeding foods that contain lactose . Design the diet taking into account the following recommendations:

• Yogurt should be easy to digest as it contains healthy bacteria that produce the lactase enzyme.
• Foods such as tofu, green leafy vegetables, lactose-free or soy milk, and calcium-fortified juices are a good choice.
• Your pediatrician can recommend an appropriate supplement if you notice that your child is not getting enough calcium.

• Calcium-rich foods that do not contain lactose can be a great choice for your children. Some examples are: spinach, salmon, oranges and fortified breads.

How to treat lactose intolerance in children?

Because this condition depends on eating habits, the only effective treatment is prevention. A balanced diet that avoids deficiencies in calcium and other nutrients that milk provides, such as vitamin D, will be of great help in maintaining your child’s health.

It is wise to determine the degree of lactose intolerance your child has and take appropriate precautions. Many non-dairy foods contain lactose in their composition, such as desserts, sauces, soups and sweets.