Lactose intolerance, not to be confused with milk allergy, a potentially more serious condition, affects between 30 and 50 million Americans, Keep Kids Healthy reports. Lactose intolerance generally appears between the ages of 2 and 18, and almost never affects infants under the age of two, Richard Grand, M.D., of Children's Hospital Boston reports in "Pediatric Views."
Causes
Low levels of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, the sugar found in dairy products, causes lactose intolerance. Lactase levels in the body fall naturally in children after age two, but some children have a genetic lack of lactase. In people with inherited lactose intolerance, drops in lactase that lead to symptoms normally occur between ages 5 and 7, according to Keep kids Healthy. Since cells in the small intestine produce lactase, diseases that disrupt the lining of the intestine can cause lactose intolerance. Gastrointestinal illnesses can cause temporary lactose intolerance in toddlers. Lactose intolerance occurs more often in some racial groups than others, affecting as many as 90 percent of Asian-Americans and 75 percent of African-Americans, Keep Kids Healthy reports.
Side Effects
Lactose-intolerant toddlers may develop diarrhea, gas, bloating or abdominal cramping within 30 minutes to two hours of consuming lactose. Some people can tolerate a small amount of lactose, while others can't tolerate any at all without developing symptoms. Runny nose, watery eyes, rash, hives, facial swelling or difficulty breathing occur in toddlers with milk allergy, not lactose intolerance.
Treatment
Avoiding foods or drinks containing lactose prevents symptoms, but also reduces a toddler's calcium intake, which is necessary to build strong bones. Yogurt containing live cultures is better tolerated than other dairy products because the good bacteria they contain promotes lactase production. Consuming lactose products with other foods may slow digestion and help your toddler tolerate them better. Other sources of calcium include leafy green vegetables, fortified breads, juices and soy milk, canned salmon and oranges. Lactose-free milk supplies the benefits of milk without the lactose-induced side effects. Over-the-counter lactase supplements also help people with lactose intolerance eat foods with lactose with fewer reactions, but talk with your child's doctor before giving him lactose supplements
Sources
While lactose intolerance causes discomfort, it rarely causes serious side effects. If your child has severe lactose intolerance, which is unlikely but possible, be aware of other sources of lactose such as prescription and over-the-counter medications. Around 20 percent of prescription drugs and 6 percent of over-the-counter drugs contain lactose, Keep Kids Health reports. Processed foods such as cereals, instant potatoes, lunch meats and cookie, pancake and biscuit mixes may also contain lactose.
