Children are the most affected by lactose intolerance, which causes severe stomach cramps, recurrent diarrhea and bloating.
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body cannot easily break down or digest lactose, a sugar present in milk and dairy products. According to statistics, this condition, also known as milk intolerance, is highly prevalent in India, where nearly 60 percent of people suffer from it. However, it is often misdiagnosed as an intolerance unless the symptoms are very severe.
Children are the most affected by this condition, which causes severe stomach cramps, recurrent diarrhea, bloating, and other gastric problems. Doctors claim that it is due to insufficient production of the enzyme lactase. And since milk is considered very important for growing children due to its high amount of calcium and protein, not drinking it can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
What happens when children don’t drink milk?
Not drinking milk causes a deficiency of vitamin D and vitamin B12, which are essential for bone health and the general functioning of the nervous system. Doctors say that a lack of these vitamins, along with a lack of calcium, can contribute to diseases such as osteoporosis and fatigue.
Several studies also say that children may suffer from severe rickets, a bone disease that affects children and causes soft and weak bones, bone deformities and poor growth.
What causes lactose intolerance in children?
Some causes of lactose intolerance, according to experts, include:
- Digestive diseases or infections
- Small bowel injury
- Family history of lactose intolerance
- A baby born too soon is also called a premature baby.
How can adequate nutrition be ensured in lactose intolerant children?
To ensure proper absorption of nutrients, it is essential to replace dairy products with lactose-free alternatives. “Let’s give them lactose-free milk and products or soya milk. These alternatives are a rich source of calcium and vitamin D,” Dr Vedika Premani, clinical dietician at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, told Times Now.
According to Dr. Premani, some other sources of calcium-rich foods include:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Fortified cereals
- Tofu
- Almonds
“In addition, a balanced diet with adequate intake of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains is equally important for a child’s growth,” she added. Doctors also recommend taking a lactase enzyme supplement, which can be taken before meals, as it helps a child’s body digest the lactose sugar present in dairy products. It prevents pain, cramps, bloating, gas and diarrhea.
It is also important for lactose intolerant children to consume vitamin D, which helps the body absorb and use calcium. Make sure your children eat foods such as:
- Eggs
- Fish, such as salmon
- Ready-to-eat cereals
- orange juice
Other ways to control lactose intolerance in children
Start slowly
After a week of limiting lactose-containing foods, reintroduce small amounts of milk or dairy products into your child’s diet. Watch your child for any symptoms.
Consume milk and dairy products along with other foods.
Your child may have fewer symptoms if he or she consumes milk or dairy products with meals.
Choose dairy products with naturally lower levels of lactose.
These include hard cheeses and yogurt.
Look for lactose-free products
These are easily available in many stores nowadays.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the post for any purpose.
We respect the intellectual property rights of content creators. If you are the owner of any material featured on our website and have concerns about its use, please contact us. We are committed to addressing any copyright issues promptly and will remove any material within 2 days of receiving a request from the rightful owner.