The truth about Lactose Intolerance..

We hear the words frequently, but what exactly do they mean? Well, let’s start with the basics first. Milk and other dairy products contain and sugar (or carbohydrates), called lactose. In most people, the body naturally breaks lactose down using an enzyme called lactase so that we can digest it easily. If a person doesn’t have enough lactase to do this, then the sugars pass through the digestive system and may cause unpleasant symptoms.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance include:
- abdominal pain and discomfort
- bloating
- excessive wind
- diarrhoea

So what about Lactose intolerance in Infants and Children?
Research suggests that it’s common for about two thirds of infants, both breastfed and bottle fed, to experience some form of lactase deficiency, but while it may be uncomfortable it isn’t thought to be harmful.

Breast milk contains some lactose (about 7%), which is generally not affected by the mothers diet. In babies who do display symptoms, it’s worth chatting to your local Maternal Child Health Nurse or Lactation Consultant prior to changing your babies diet. Lactose free formula might be an option for infants, while soy milk might be an alternative for older children.

Common illness such as gastroenteritis can also affect the way we digest things, especially in children, so cutting back dairy products for a period of time might just be enough to allay symptoms. It is important to remember that an intolerance does not generally cause vomiting or a rash, so if your child develops these symptoms it is important to see your GP.

So how can

you manage Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance may also be known as lactase deficiency. Often, people with a lesser deficiency may find cheese or yoghurt more tolerable in their diet because the lactose has already been partially processed. Managing symptoms is often requires finding the right balance in your diet so that you symptoms are minimised.

In most cases, people who are lactose intolerant are still able to consume small amounts of dairy in their diet, which is very important to maintain our consumption of calcium. However there are a few things you can do to reduce symptoms:

- Avoid low-fat and non-fat milks, as they may contain a higher dose of lactose and travel more quickly through your digestive system.
- Try fermented or aged dairy products such as yoghurt, mature cheese or butter or evaporated milk wherein the heating process has begun the breakdown of the lactose already.
- Consume smaller amounts of dairy with other natural foods which your body can digest more easily.
- Get to know your body and how much is too much, you may notice symptoms only occur if you consume more than a certain amount or a combination of foods.
- Check your food labels for any hidden milk products which may contain lactose.

Where to get more help or information?
- Chat with a dietician about alternatives for your diet, such as soy products which are also high in calcium.
- Your local GP, Maternal Child Health Nurse, Breastfeeding Nurse or Lactation Consultant
- www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

This information is provided as a guide only; information has been sourced from The Better Health Channel and the Dieticians Association of Australia.