Lactose intolerance occurs when a child's body doesn't produce enough of the enzymes needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk products. Infants, children and adolescents can suffer from the condition to varying degrees and dietary changes can alleviate symptoms. If you are concerned that your child may be lactose intolerant, her doctor can perform several tests to confirm or refute the presence of the condition.
Symptoms
The symptoms of lactose intolerance range in severity among infants, children and adolescents and are dependent on the amount of dairy the child consumes. Diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, bloating and gas are common symptoms of lactose intolerance and generally appear 30 minutes to two hours after eating something that contains milk. Symptoms of lactose intolerance are the same for adults and children.
Diagnosis
There are several ways to diagnose lactose intolerance and the most reliable method will depend on your child's age and his pediatrician's preferences. Lactose intolerance generally appears in the grade school through teen years and is rare in infancy and during the toddler years, according to Baby Center. An elimination diet may help with diagnosis and is done by recording the amounts and types of foods your child eats and any symptoms that appear. Remove the ones that are causing problems for two weeks and reintroduce them and watch for symptoms to come back. If this indicates lactose intolerance, your child's pediatrician will do a test that measures the amount of hydrogen in his breath; a higher level means his body isn't digesting lactose. A blood test or stool test can also indicate whether lactose is being digested properly.
Treatment
If your child is lactose intolerant, you will need to eliminate dairy foods from her diet to prevent flare-ups and discomfort. These include milk, ice cream, butter, pudding, cheese, sour cream and many types of baked goods, breads, salad dressings, cookies and cakes. Reading labels carefully is important because some foods may have hidden sources of milk. Look for milk products made for people with lactose intolerance.
Nutrient Supplementation
Removing dairy foods from your child's diet increases the risk of being deficient in nutrients that are vital for growth and development, including calcium and vitamins A and D. Alternative food sources added to your child's diet can help reduce this possibility. Good sources of calcium include, leafy green vegetables, fortified orange juice, broccoli, tofu, oranges and canned salmon. Vitamin A is found in many fruits and vegetables, including carrots, apricots, tomatoes, cantaloupe and peaches. Increase your child's intake of salmon, tuna and eggs to ensure adequate vitamin D intake. If your child is a picky eater or prepares his own meals, you may need to supplement with a multivitamin to ensure that he is getting the nutrition he needs.
