Lactose intolerance is a common condition that occurs when the body has difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. This condition can lead to discomfort, digestive issues, and nutritional concerns, especially in young children who rely on milk for essential nutrients. While lactose intolerance is more commonly diagnosed in older children and adults, infants and newborns can also experience symptoms. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we provide expert diagnosis and management for lactose intolerance in children of all ages, helping families throughout Atlanta find the best dietary solutions for their child’s needs.
What Is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body produces insufficient levels of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose in the small intestine. Without enough lactase, lactose remains undigested and is fermented by bacteria in the colon, leading to uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms. Lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy, which involves an immune response to proteins found in milk. While lactose intolerance causes digestive symptoms, a milk allergy can trigger more severe allergic reactions.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lactose intolerance affects approximately 30 million American adults by age 20, and it can begin to show signs in children as early as infancy or during toddler years.
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Signs of Lactose Intolerance in Newborns
While lactose intolerance in newborns is rare, it can occur, particularly in cases of congenital lactase deficiency (a genetic condition). Newborns with lactose intolerance may experience the following symptoms after consuming breast milk or formula:
Frequent diarrhea
Watery, loose stools may occur shortly after feedings, as the body struggles to digest the lactose in milk.
Excessive gas
Newborns may have noticeable bloating, gassiness, or flatulence as lactose ferments in the digestive tract.
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Signs of stomach pain, such as fussiness, crying, or drawing up their legs, may indicate discomfort after feeding.
Vomiting
Some newborns may experience vomiting in response to undigested lactose.
Diaper rash
Recurrent diarrhea can lead to severe diaper rashes, which may persist despite proper diaper changes and hygiene.
If you suspect that your newborn is showing signs of lactose intolerance, it’s important to consult with a pediatrician to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and explore dietary options. While lactose intolerance in newborns is uncommon, it can occur in certain cases, such as with premature infants or those with genetic predispositions.
Lactose Intolerance in Older Children
Lactose intolerance is more commonly diagnosed in older children and adolescents. As children grow, their bodies may naturally produce less lactase, leading to an increased sensitivity to lactose. Signs of lactose intolerance in older children include:
Stomach pain or cramps
Abdominal discomfort, particularly after consuming dairy products, is a common sign of lactose intolerance.
Bloating and gas
Excess gas and bloating often occur after drinking milk or eating dairy-based foods.
Diarrhea
Children with lactose intolerance may experience diarrhea or loose stools after consuming lactose-containing foods.
Nausea
Some children may feel nauseous after consuming milk, cheese, yogurt, or other dairy products.
If your child is experiencing these symptoms, a pediatrician can help determine if lactose intolerance is the cause and recommend appropriate dietary changes.
Diagnosing Lactose Intolerance in Children
At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we provide comprehensive evaluations to diagnose lactose intolerance in children. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of reviewing symptoms, conducting dietary trials, and using diagnostic tests to confirm the condition.
Elimination diet
A common method of diagnosing lactose intolerance involves temporarily removing lactose from your child’s diet and monitoring whether symptoms improve. If symptoms return when lactose is reintroduced, this can indicate intolerance.
Hydrogen breath test
In some cases, we may recommend a hydrogen breath test, which measures the amount of hydrogen in your child’s breath after consuming lactose. Elevated levels of hydrogen indicate that lactose is not being properly digested.
Stool acidity test
For infants and younger children, a stool acidity test may be used to measure the levels of acid in the stool, which can suggest lactose malabsorption.
Treatment and Management of Lactose Intolerance
The primary treatment for lactose intolerance involves managing symptoms through dietary changes. While lactose intolerance cannot be cured, eliminating or reducing lactose in your child’s diet can help prevent discomfort and digestive issues. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we work with families to create personalized dietary plans that ensure children continue to receive the nutrients they need for growth and development.
Dietary Adjustments
Lactose-free alternatives
Many lactose-free milk and dairy products are available and can be easily substituted for regular dairy. Lactose-free milk provides the same nutrients as regular milk without the lactose.
Limit or avoid high-lactose foods
Foods like milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt contain varying amounts of lactose. In some cases, children may be able to tolerate small amounts of dairy without symptoms, while others may need to avoid dairy entirely.
Calcium-rich, non-dairy foods
It’s important to ensure that children with lactose intolerance still receive adequate calcium for bone health. Non-dairy sources of calcium include fortified plant-based milks (such as almond, soy, or oat milk), leafy greens, tofu, and almonds.
Lactase Enzyme Supplements
For children who want to enjoy dairy products occasionally, lactase enzyme supplements can be taken before meals to help break down lactose and prevent symptoms.
Nutritional Monitoring
For younger children and infants, ensuring they receive the proper balance of nutrients is essential. Our pediatricians monitor your child’s growth and nutritional intake to ensure they are meeting their developmental needs, even with dietary restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lactose Intolerance in Children
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While rare, newborns can have congenital lactose intolerance, a genetic condition that causes the body to produce little or no lactase. In such cases, specialized formula and dietary adjustments are needed.
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Symptoms like diarrhea, gas, bloating, and stomach cramps after consuming dairy products can indicate lactose intolerance. Consult a pediatrician for proper diagnosis and testing.
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Lactose intolerance is typically a lifelong condition, but the severity of symptoms can vary. Some children may be able to tolerate small amounts of dairy over time, while others need to avoid lactose entirely.
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Lactose-free milk, almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk are excellent alternatives. Calcium-fortified plant-based milks and dairy-free yogurt options are also available.
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With proper dietary management, lactose intolerance does not cause long-term health issues. However, ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is essential for growing children.
Schedule an Appointment for Lactose Intolerance Care in Atlanta
If you suspect your child has lactose intolerance or if your newborn is experiencing digestive symptoms, contact Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine to schedule an evaluation. Our pediatricians provide expert diagnosis and management of lactose intolerance at our locations in Glenwood Park, Brookhaven, and Decatur, serving families throughout Atlanta.