Lactose intolerance in children can cause such unpleasant symptoms, such as cramps, gas and diarrhea. Children who are lactose intolerant have a difficult time digesting lactose, which is the main sugar in milk. Lactose-free milk is an option for kids who are lactose intolerant.
Significance
Milk and milk products should not be completely eliminated from a child's diet because they are excellent sources of calcium, vitamins A and D, riboflavin and phosphorus, advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Calcium is essential for developing strong bones, by the age of 17 years old, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports, 90 percent of a child's adult bone mass is established. Lactose-free milk can be a substitute for regular milk.
Types
Milk and dairy products should be an integral part of a child's healthy diet. Low-fat or fat-free options are the best choices. Lactose-free milk that is low-fat or fat-free is the best choice for kids. You can buy lactose-free milk in most grocery stores and supermarkets.
Misconceptions
Being lactose intolerant is not the same as having a milk allergy. Kids who have a milk allergy do not have a difficult time digesting lactose. Their bodies are reacting to one or more proteins in milk. With a milk allergy, when the body sees the proteins contained in milk, the body reacts to the proteins as if they are dangerous to the body. The release of chemicals to fight off the invaders -- milk proteins -- are released and symptoms such as rash, stomach pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, runny nose, wheezing, coughing or trouble breathing, according to KidsHealth. Lactose-free milk should only be given to children who have lactose intolerance, not a milk allergy.
Features
Lactose-free milk may help reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance, but it may not eliminate them. Milk is in many foods, such as breads, pancakes, hot dogs, hamburger buns, dry cereals, cake mixes, salad dressings and candies. Eliminating milk completely from a lactose intolerant child's diet is not advisable. Consult a health care provider about the use of dietary aids that contain lactase, the enzyme the body uses to digest lactose. Lactase comes in many forms and can be added to food, or taken before consuming lactose products to help reduce lactose intolerance symptoms.
Warning
Before eliminating any food groups for a child's diet, proper testing should be done to determine the exact cause of the symptoms. Consulting a health care provider before altering a child's diet may help to eliminate unnecessary changes and ensure that the child is getting proper nutrition.
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