How to Deal with a Lactose Intolerant Child

The importance of milk and dairy products in children’s diet has been recognised by nutritionists over the years. Milk products are an important source of protein, calcium and vitamin D, necessary for growing kids. However, not all kids are able to consume dairy products for a number of reasons, including being lactose intolerant.

Lactose intolerance usually occurs in kids who can't digest lactose, which is the main sugar found in milk and other dairy products, like ice-cream and cheese. Kids who are lactose intolerant don't make adequate lactase, which is a natural enzyme produced by intestinal tract that digests lactose. As a result, when there isn't enough lactase, lactose that is consumed doesn't get broken down and remains in the intestines causing diarrhoea, acidity, bloating, stomach cramps, and nausea for about 30 minutes to 2 hours.

There is no treatment for lactose intolerance. In case, if your child is lactose intolerant, a change in diet or meal can make a big difference. Doing so, you can decide what diet changes are best for your child. It is important to understand how to fill the nutritional gaps in their diet. Include non-dairy milk products, like rice milk and almond that are fortified with vitamin D and calcium. In addition, lactase enzyme supplements can help the stomach digest lactose appropriately when taken with dairy.

Dairy products are a great source of calcium; it is important to know that dark leafy green vegetables can act as a substitute. In addition, consider including broccoli, mushrooms, beans, spinach, and kale into your child’s meal plan to ensure proper intake. Always remember, lactose intolerance can be easily managed and the stomach problem can be relieved with some changes to the diet.

Lactose intolerance doesn't have to make your child's life down. There are many alternatives for children who are suffering from it. Consult with your doctor about what foods or diet changes would be best for your child. For kids, it's a temporary disorder that begins after they take some antibiotics for stomach infections which finally goes away.

Found this information useful? You can learn more about your child’s good health by joining Shaw Academy’s Child Nutrition program. You can also read Shaw Academy Reviews online on their Facebook page.