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Lactose intolerance

• Lactose intolerance is the inability to absorb lactose, the main sugar found in milk.
• Lactose is composed of two sugars, which must be broken down to glucose and galactose by a lactase enzyme in order to be digested.
• If the lactase enzyme is absent from the baby’s body or is only present in low levels, then their body is unable to break down the lactose and the symptoms become apparent.
• The condition can be quite common in young babies, as the enzyme the body uses to break down lactose has not yet matured.
• Because of this, the condition is commonly seen in premature babies.

What can cause it?

Lactose intolerance causes reactions to milk products and foods which contain lactose such as:

• Milk and dairy products.
• Cheese.
• Butter.
• Yogurt.
• Bread.
• Chocolate.

There are also less obvious food sources which contain lactose including whey, curds, milk by-products, dry milk solids and non-fat dry milk powder. If you’re worried, check the product label.

What are the symptoms?

Flatulence, stomach rumbling, diarrhoea, floating or foul smelling stools, nausea, weight loss and a bloated feeling.

The symptoms occur between 30 minutes and two hours after food has been taken.

Children between birth and five years may experience slow growth.

How is it diagnosed?

Your GP will carry out various tests before diagnosing lactose intolerance.

How is it treated?

• If the lactose intolerance persists beyond one year, some children may be advised to cut down on the dairy intake in their diet.
• In severe cases a dietitian may advise a lactose-free diet.
• Medicines are also available some of which come in a liquid form to be added to milk.
• Other medicines can be chewed before a meal or a snack.