Lactose is the sugar found in milk and other dairy products. It is a complex carbohydrate, composed of the simple sugars glucose and galactose. In order to digest lactose, humans need an enzyme called lactase, produced by the small intestine, to breakdown lactose into its simpler forms. Children who do not produce enough lactose can suffer from lactose intolerance.
Causes
MayoClinic.com reports that there are three types of lactose intolerance. Primary lactose intolerance results from the natural decrease in lactase production as people age. Secondary lactose intolerance results from damage to the small intestine from Crohn's disease, chemotherapy, celiac disease and gastroenteritis, decreasing its ability to secrete lactase. In rare circumstances, children can be born with congenital lactose intolerance, without the ability to produce lactase. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, premature infants can also be born with lactose intolerance, as they do not start producing lactase until the third trimester of pregnancy.
Symptoms
The symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin within an hour or two of ingesting lactose-containing foods. Symptoms include abdominal cramps and bloating, nausea and diarrhea. Children with lactose intolerance have poor weight gain and have delays in growth parameters if milk continues to be part of their diet. Nutritional problems, such as vitamin deficiencies, can also occur, especially if lactose intolerance causes severe diarrhea and decreases the absorption of important nutrients.
Treatment
The main treatment for lactose intolerance is the withdrawal of milk and dairy products from the diet. According to the Merck Manuals, lactase enzymes, available over the counter as pills or in liquid form can be added to milk and other dairy products to minimize the effects and symptoms of lactose intolerance. Infants with lactose intolerance can drink lactose-free formula to gain appropriate calories, and when they are older, can ingest lactose-reduced milk.
Considerations
Because milk and dairy products are an important source of calcium in the diet, children with lactose intolerance run the risk of calcium deficiency. Getting enough calcium from other sources, like fish with soft bones and dark green vegetables, is important to balance their diet. Vitamin D and calcium supplements are also necessary to prevent hypocalcemia, or low calcium in the bloodstream.
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