Lactose Intolerance

What is Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to absorb lactose, which is the main sugar found in milk. The condition can be quite common in young children, as the enzyme the body uses to break down lactose has not yet matured. The condition is most commonly seen in premature babies. Lactose is composed of two sugars, which must be broken down to glucose and galactose by a lactase enzyme in order to be digested. This enzyme is found in the small bowel.

What are the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Symptoms include:

• Gas (flatulence).
• Stomach rumbling.
• Diarrhoea.
• Floating or foul smelling stools.
• Nausea.
• Weight loss.
• A bloated feeling.

These usually occur between 30 minutes and two hours after food has been taken. Children between birth and five years may experience slow growth.

What are the Causes of Lactose Intolerance

If the lactase enzyme is absent from the child's body or is only present in low levels, then their body is unable to break down the lactose and the symptoms become apparent. After the age of two a child's body produces less lactase, although the symptoms may not show up until years later. Both children and adults can suffer from lactose intolerance.

Traditional Medical Treatments for Lactose Intolerance

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 available to treat the condition, some of which come in a liquid form to be added to milk, while others can be chewed before a meal or a snack. Some children may have to substitute milk with a soya formula.

Milk is an essential part of a child's diet because it contains calcium, which is necessary for strong bones. Therefore, if milk or dairy products are to be cut from the child's diet it is important to substitute them with calcium-rich foods.

Complementaty/Alternative Treatments for Lactose Intolerance

Supplemental sources of the enzyme lactase may be used to prevent symptoms of lactose intolerance when consuming lactose-containing dairy products. Lactase drops may be added to regular milk 24 hours before drinking to reduce lactose levels. Lactase drops, capsules, and tablets may also be taken orally, as needed, immediately before a meal that includes lactose-containing dairy products. The degree of lactose intolerance varies by individual, so a greater or lesser amount of oral lactase may be needed to eliminate symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Researchers have yet to clearly determine whether lactose-intolerant people absorb less calcium. As lactose-containing foods are among the best dietary sources of calcium, alternative sources of calcium (from food or supplements) are important for lactose-intolerant people. A typical amount of supplemental calcium is 1,000 mg per day.

Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements do not appear to be effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance. In a preliminary trial, people with lactose intolerance were given Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements twice daily for seven days, but failed to show any improvement in symptoms or laboratory measurements of lactose digestion.