Lactose Intolerance in Babies

Lactose is a sugar found in milk, and milk based or dairy products, that is broken down into galactose and glucose by the enzyme, lactase. The enzyme lactase is produced by the lining of the small intestine, and is very crucial for lactose digestion. Lactose intolerance refers to an inability to digest the sugar lactose, due to a deficiency of the enzyme, lactase. This condition in babies is often confused with allergy to cow milk and lactose overload, which are actually two completely different conditions.

Cow milk protein allergy is actually, an immune reaction to one or more proteins found in milk, while lactose overload results from the ingestion of a large amount of milk. Though lactose is produced by the body, an excess consumption of milk causes some amount of lactose to remain undigested, and then fermented by the intestinal bacteria, causing gas and bloating.

Causes of Lactose Intolerance in Babies

In babies, the culprit behind this condition is lactase deficiency, which can be primary or secondary. Generally, the production of the enzyme lactase decreases, as a child grows and starts to consume foods, other than milk. This is termed as primary lactase deficiency. Secondary lactase deficiency, on the other hand, results from any injury or damage to the gut or small intestine. So, secondary lactose intolerance can be caused by certain illnesses like, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, parasitic infection, celiac disease and Crohn's disease. Even iron deficiency can have an effect on the digestion of lactose. However, some babies can also be born with lactose intolerance, which is known as congenital lactose intolerance. It is considered as a hereditary condition that runs in families. Such babies born cannot digest even breast milk.

Lactose Intolerance Symptoms in Babies

The symptoms can appear within a few hours (usually 2 hours) from the ingestion of milk, and other dairy products containing lactose. They can be mild, or manifest in severe discomfort. Some of the most common symptoms of this condition are

• Pain in the abdomen
• Gas and abdominal bloating
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Crying and twitching the body, after consuming milk

Diagnosis and Treatment for Lactose Intolerance

This condition is a bit hard to detect, as the gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, gas or bloating can also be produced by certain other health conditions as well. There are three diagnostic tests for lactose intolerance, which are known as lactose intolerance test, hydrogen breath test and stool acidity test. Lactose intolerance test requires the ingestion of a lactose loaded beverage by the baby. Then after two hours, a blood sample is drawn to test the level of glucose in the blood. If the intestine of the baby produces enough lactase, it will break down lactose into glucose and galactose to raise the level of blood glucose. But, if the blood sugar level does not increase, it indicates that lactose has not been digested completely. In hydrogen breath test, the breath of the baby is analyzed for the amount of hydrogen, after feeding a lactose containing beverage. If lactose is not digested properly, it is fermented in the intestine, which causes production of a large amount of hydrogen. Hydrogen produced in this is eventually exhaled.

Stool acidity test, on the other hand measures the acidity of the stool, which increases, if lactose is not digested. This is because, fermentation of undigested lactose produces lactic acid and other fatty acids, which increase the acidity of the stool. Management of lactose intolerance and its symptoms requires, avoidance of milk and dairy or any lactose containing products. However, some infants and adults can tolerate a small amount of lactose or lactose containing foods, without any adverse effects. For such babies, what is required is to avoid feeding a large amount of milk. The breast-fed babies may require a lactose free baby formula. As far as the continuation of breast feeding is concerned, a physician will be able to provide better guidance. Similarly, for a proper management of this condition, it is better to stick to the advise of your physician, instead of trying something on your own.

Lactose intolerance can affect the overall health and growth of your baby. The hardest part about it is the diagnosis, as the symptoms of this condition can be confused with the symptoms of other health problems. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to remain vigilant, and consult a physician whenever, your baby suffers from gastrointestinal problems.