Supplements For Toddlers With Dairy-free & Gluten-free Diets

Toddlers fed a well-balanced diet typically get sufficient nutrients but following a restricted diet may require supplements. A food allergy or intolerance limits the foods a toddler can eat. Important nutrients may be missing because of the decreased variety. Supplements can replace these missing nutrients or replenish nutrients that are low due to malabsorption, which is a common problem with food allergies. Supplements may also aid in digestion and improve immune function.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance may present in children of any age. African-American children may become lactose intolerant as early as age 2. Premature babies may even be born lactose intolerant. A person with lactose intolerance has a small intestine that cannot produce lactase, an enzyme necessary for digesting lactose from milk products. A dairy-free diet avoids lactose-containing foods so your toddler does not suffer symptoms cause by a lactose intolerance. Known symptoms include nausea, bloating, diarrhea, gas and abdominal cramps. A dairy-free diet prohibits foods like milk, dry milk solids, whey, casein, milk powder and any milk byproducts.

Gluten Intolerance

Approximately one in 80 children may be gluten intolerant, according to an article published in February 2007 in the "Practical Gastroenterology" journal. Gluten is a protein found in most grains. A gluten intolerance is also called celiac disease. Symptoms of gluten intolerance in children include gas, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, abdominal pain and vomiting. Other non-gastrointestinal symptoms are also possible, including delayed motor development, learning difficulties, behavioral changes and irritability. A gluten-free diet is the only cure for gluten intolerance. Ask your doctor for a complete list of gluten ingredients because even items like soy sauce may contain gluten.

Dairy-Free Supplements

Toddlers on a dairy-free diet may benefit from supplements like probiotics. Probiotics are organisms that live in the intestines. They are also found in some yogurts. As an alternative to eating yogurt -- which contains dairy -- probiotic supplements are available in capsule form. Taking these supplements may reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance by helping your toddler digest lactose. Always check supplements labels before giving them to your toddler in case the products contain dairy. Products labeled "pareve" are generally dairy free. Pareve is a kosher term meaning that a product does not contain meat or milk, but may have fish or eggs.

Gluten-Free Supplements

Vitamin and mineral supplements may benefit children newly diagnosed with a gluten intolerance, according to the Children's Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation's "Gluten-free Diet Guide for Families." Eating gluten can damage the intestinal lining. The damage can interfere with nutrient absorption until your toddler's intestines heal. Also, many non-gluten foods do not contain the vitamins that are often added to most gluten foods, like cereal and bread. Therefore, switching to a gluten-free diet may provide your toddler with fewer nutrients. Give your child gluten-free supplements that meet 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance for their age, unless your doctor suggests otherwise. The label may state "gluten-free," or you can check the list of ingredients against a list of gluten foods.