In the baby's body, there is a special decomposition of the digestion of lactose enzyme called lactase, when the lactase in the digestive tract is insufficient or low activity, the baby eats breast milk or milk in the lactose can not be fully digested, causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, which is called lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance generally presents with symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, and increased intestinal exhaust. With the exception of hereditary lactose intolerance, most lactose intolerance is induced by intestinal infections.
Lactose intolerance is almost a common phenomenon in China, according to the "2021 China Dairy Merchants Index" survey, about 190 million Chinese people have lactose intolerance symptoms.
However, before solving this problem, it is necessary to determine whether the baby is lactose intolerant or diarrhea caused by other causes, and there are currently two main ways to detect lactose intolerance: breath test and blood test.
The breath test is to determine whether lactose intolerance is manifested by measuring the concentration of hydrogen in the exhaled gas after oral administration of a certain amount of lactose. The breath test requires a high degree of cooperation from the tester and takes 4 hours, so the baby is not suitable for the breath test.
Blood testing is performed in three steps, the first step is the first blood sample collection, the second step is to drink a lactose-containing liquid, and the third step is to drink the liquid for 1 to 2 hours before the second blood sample is collected. Comparing the blood glucose levels twice, if the blood glucose level is low after drinking lactose, it indicates lactose intolerance.
It is also important to distinguish between lactose intolerance and milk protein allergy in your baby's diarrhea. If it is caused by a cow's milk protein allergy, simply stop the diarrhea by simply stopping the milk or milk powder, or switching to the amino acid formula. But a baby who is lactose intolerant will have diarrhea as long as the milk contains lactose.
Some babies may also have lactose intolerance and milk protein allergies at the same time, and they need to be tested again for allergens to identify.
Baby lactose intolerance is a very headache for parents, adult lactose intolerance is not a big deal not to drink milk, but for small babies, always can not let them also quit milk.
So what to do?
Lactose intolerance occurs mostly in infancy and early childhood, and as we age, complementary foods are gradually added, the amount of breast milk or milk is gradually reduced, and the symptoms of lactose intolerance will also decrease.
When your baby develops symptoms of lactose intolerance, it can be relieved by adjusting the diet.
Lactose-free formula or lactose-less formula can be fed first, and after the baby's symptoms are relieved, then according to the baby's actual situation, gradually increase the number of breastfeeding or ordinary milk powder feeding times and feeding amount, so that the baby gradually adapts.
A slow transition from lactose-free formula + breast milk or regular milk powder to pure breast milk or regular milk powder can be followed.
In addition, lactose intolerance in most preterm infants is caused by a hypoplasia of the gastrointestinal mucosa and a temporary low level of lactase. As the baby matures and lactase gradually increases, the symptoms of lactose intolerance will improve accordingly.
How is lactose intolerance treated?
At present, there are oral food and pharmaceutical preparations derived from bacteria or yeast lactase on the market, which can be taken orally with lactose-containing foods when necessary, which can effectively reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
There is not enough research data to confirm the folk method of treating lactose intolerance with probiotics.
Baby feeding is a very meticulous thing, when we find that the baby has lactose intolerance, do not panic, do not have to completely avoid lactose-containing foods, you can adjust the diet to alleviate the symptoms of lactose intolerance in the baby, if necessary, you can also use lactase preparations. If the symptoms of young infants and young children are severe, they need to see a doctor in time.