Three days ago I was invited to provide a health
orientation at an Elementary school about the kind of foods which should be
given to children and knowing the food they can tolerate but surprisingly
people aren't aware of Food intolerance especially in this part of the world.
which is getting quite common in today’s children and it can be difficult to
know whether your infant or child is having symptoms of lactose intolerance or
whether he or she may have a milk allergy.
For many Kids, an ice cream Sunday or cool glass of
milk at lunch means an afternoon of cramps, gas and diarrhea.
What is Lactose?
Lactose is a sugar found in foods that many children
love-milk and dairy products, such as frozen yoghurt, some breads, cereals and
frozen canned foods. Lactose is broken down by the lactase enzyme located in
small intestine. When we eat lactose, lactase breaks lactose down into two
simple sugars: glucose and Galactose. The body absorbs these simple sugars into
our intestine. When there is a decrease or loss of the lactase enzyme, we
cannot break down or absorb lactose. The unabsorbed lactose can lead to
symptoms which is called intolerance.
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is a condition caused by lack of
an enzyme called lactase. Inadequate amounts of lactase cause the body to be
unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products. The disorder
affects some populations more than others: African-American, Jewish, Mexican
Americans e.t.c. it is least common among people with a northern European
Heritage.
What Causes Lactose Intolerance?
Injuries or Diseases at the small intestine which
can reduce the amount of enzymes produced which is the usual cause of
intolerance in children. But, most causes of Lactose intolerance develop over a
period of many years in adolescents and adults.
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance in Children?
Symptoms that are observed depend on the amount of
Lactose that’s consumed, the time (30 minutes and 2 hours) of consumption of a
diary product. Here are symptoms you should look out for:
- · Cramps
- · Painful gas
- · Bloating
- · Gas
- · Diarrhoea
- · Malnourishment
- · Gradual growth
- · Watery eyes
- · Coughing
- · Vomiting
- · Stools
How is Lactose Intolerance Diagnosed?
The most common diagnostic tests are used to measure
the absorption in the Digestive system include:
Lactose Tolerance Test-
This test measures the absorption of Lactose in digestive system. After Fasting, the patient drinks a Liquid that contains lactose. The diarrhoea stools are then tested for the next 24 hours.
Undigested lactose fermented by bacteria in the colon
creates lactic acid and other fatty acids, which can be detected in a stool
sample, along with glucose as a result of unabsorbed lactose.
Hydrogen breath Test-
The patient drinks a lactose-
heavy beverage. The breath is then analysed at regular intervals to measure the
amount of hydrogen. Undigested Lactose in the colon is fermented by bacteria,
resulting in the production of various gases, including hydrogen. When high
levels of hydrogen are present in the breath improper digestion of lactose is
diagnosed.
Stool Acidity test-
This test used in infants and
young children measures the amount of acid in the stool. Lactic acid and
glucose, produced by undigested lactose,
and other fatty acids can be detected in a stool sample.
How is Lactose intolerance treated?
Treatment of Lactose intolerance depends on the
extent of your child’s symptoms. Some children with lactose intolerance may be
able to small amounts of dairy products without having symptoms.
·
Your paediatrician may recommend an over-the-counter
Lactase enzyme supplement to alleviate the symptoms.
·
If the symptoms are severe, your paediatrician may refer your child to registered dietitian. Since dairy is a good source of
calcium and vitamin D.. which all kids
need while a dietitian can suggest other foods to provide those nutrients.
Finding levels of Lactose intolerance
The committee of Nutrition for the American Academy of Paediatrics recommends slowly introducing the dairy products to Judge the Child’s
level of tolerance.
- · Some children are able to tolerate one glass of milk, but get symptoms with a second one
- · Some can’t tolerate milk but can tolerate yoghurt while some can tolerate hard cheese.
- · Keep a record of your child’s tolerance by first eliminating and slowly reintroducing specific dairy products and observing the change in symptoms.
- · Based on this record, you can monitor his diary intake and make sure he does not miss out on his nutrients.
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