People who are lactose intolerant are unable to break down lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy products. Lactose intolerance becomes more common as we age, so the condition is quite rare in young infants. Explore alternative diagnoses if your breastfed infant is often colicky, irritable, gassy and bloated.
Prevalence
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, lactose intolerance is quite uncommon in young infants. The earliest observed age of onset is typically 2 or 3 years of age in populations where lactose intolerance is widespread. This includes those of African, Hispanic and Asian ethnicities. Among Caucasian children, lactose intolerance is rarely seen before age 5 or 6.
Alternatives
More commonly, a sensitivity to dairy products in breastfed babies is caused by allergy to the milk protein. The infant may react to any source of dairy consumed by the mother and present in the breast milk. If you suspect a dairy sensitivity in your child, you can try eliminating sources of milk protein from your diet and see whether there is an improvement. Be aware that many processed foods contain hidden milk products, and it may take two to three weeks for all dairy protein to clear from your system.
Diagnosis
In infants with diarrhea, where lactose intolerance is suspected, a stool sample can be tested for malabsorbed carbohydrate by testing fecal pH. Consult your doctor about whether this test is appropriate for your child. Other tests can be performed to assess the possibility of milk allergy.
Treatments
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children who are lactose intolerant continue to consume some dairy products to obtain essential vitamins and nutrients for growth. Breastfeeding should not be interrupted, since it provides critical nutrition and assists in immune system development . Many children are able to tolerate yogurt and cheese, even if milk poses a problem. For children younger than 2 years of age, lactose-free whole milk is available.
References
- Baby Center: Lactose Intolerance; August 2006
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Lactose Intolerance in Infants, Children, and Adolescents; Melvin B. Heyman, MD; September 2006
- Mayo Clinic: Lactose Intolerance Symptoms; February 2010
- Kelly Mom: Dairy and Other Food Sensitivities in Breastfed Babies; October 1999
