Lactose is a natural sugar that is found in milk. It is contained in varying amounts in all dairy products and any processed foods that contain milk. Lactose is cleaved in the small intestine by the enzyme lactase.
If there is not enough lactase, undigested lactose passes into the large intestine, where bacteria feed on lactose and form gas and water.
According to the research institutes lactose intolerance affects a lot of children.
In children's food, dietary options and recipes are used that allow children to enjoy eating.
Lactose intolerance
Lactose in children's food can cause intolerance.
If your child drank milk or ate ice cream and had stomach pain, it could be lactose intolerance. Symptoms of food intolerance are bloating, nausea and diarrhea. Typically, they appear about half an hour after eating or drinking.
Changes in your baby's diet can help in the treatment of this problem.
Lactose intolerance is the inability or inadequate ability to digest lactose, the sugar contained in milk and dairy products used in infant food.
Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is produced in the cells of the small intestine. Lactase breaks down lactose into two simple forms of sugar, called glucose and galactose, which are then absorbed into the blood.
The cause of lactose intolerance is explained by lactase deficiency. Primary lactase deficiency develops after 2 years of age, when the body produces a small amount of lactase. Most children who are deficient in lactase do not experience symptoms of lactose intolerance before adolescence or adulthood. Some people inherit genes from their parents and they may develop a primary lactase deficiency.
Treatment of lactose intolerance
The easiest way to treat food intolerance is to exclude lactose-containing foods from the baby's diet. If symptoms recede, you can resume the use of food or beverages in baby food.
In a medical institution, you can make a test for lactose intolerance to make sure that this is really inherent in your child.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, you can give him soy milk.
Calcium
Many parents have concerns about lactose intolerance to a child and inadequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D, which are available in dairy products. Fortunately, there are many foods and beverages that are fortified with calcium. Fruit juices (orange and apple especially) contain a sufficient amount of calcium and are recommended for baby food.
Daily meals
It is very important to provide a balanced diet for your child with food and drinks that do not contain lactose, but are still tasty and satisfying. Most fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits do not contain lactose. Use in children's food such products - fish, meat, nuts and vegetable oils. Some of the options for this are salmon, almonds and tuna. Grain, bread, pastries and pasta are also foods that are enriched with vitamin D and calcium.
In connection with the increase in cases of lactose intolerance, manufacturers make products that can be consumed by children who have problems digesting dairy products. Buy milk and cheeses that have lactose substitutes and are ideal for older children.
Use a variety of foods in baby food. Fruits and vegetables are not a problem for children with lactose intolerance. You should avoid mashed potatoes, breakfast cereals, rice or instant pasta dishes.
If you are concerned that your child does not receive enough nutrients in the diet, consult a pediatrician about providing nutritional supplements.