Can Babies with Lactose Intolerance Drink Milk?

Can Babies with Lactose Intolerance Drink Milk?

Some children may experience lactose intolerance due to the lack of lactase enzyme in their bodies, leading to lactose intolerance symptoms after drinking milk. Usually, this is caused by the deficiency of lactase in the small intestine mucosa, which hinders the digestion and absorption of lactose in milk, resulting in a series of clinical symptoms primarily characterized by bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Additionally, lactose in milk can erode teeth, making tooth decay more likely. For such children, the following methods can be adopted:

① Choose specially processed dairy products, such as low-lactose dairy or dairy products with added lactase.

② Consume small amounts of dairy products multiple times, which may reduce or eliminate lactose intolerance symptoms.

③ Limit the total intake of lactose per day, with the recommended lactose limit generally being 12 grams.

④ Drinking milk on an empty stomach in the morning may lead to lactose intolerance. Instead, milk can be consumed alongside other foods. For example, when dairy products are consumed with meat and fatty foods simultaneously, it may alleviate or avoid lactose intolerance symptoms.

⑤ Substitute fresh milk with fermented dairy products (especially yogurt). In fermented dairy, 20% to 30% of lactose has already been broken down, making it easier to digest and absorb. Consuming yogurt can improve lactose digestion and intolerance, and it is also very convenient.

By adopting these methods, babies with lactose intolerance can still enjoy dairy products while managing their symptoms effectively.