Questions and answers about lactose intolerance
Lactose is a sugar that is present in different concentrations in the milk of mammals (cow, sheep, goat), in other dairy products and in breast milk. Lactose intolerance means that the small intestine can not digest milk sugar, due to the lack of the enzyme lactase present in the cells of the small
Lactose is a sugar that is present in different concentrations in the milk of mammals (cow, sheep, goat), in other dairy products and in breast milk. Lactose intolerance means that the small intestine can not digest milk sugar, due to the lack of the enzyme lactase present in the cells of the small intestine.
In Guiainfantil.com we solve all the doubts you may have about lactose intolerance so you can take care of your child's health.
What are the causes of lactose intolerance in children?
The most frequent causes of lactose intolerance are genetic. The lack of the enzyme that digests the milk sugar can begin to diminish after 2 or 7 years, generally this decrease is progressive therefore the symptoms do not appear until adulthood.
- Intolerance may appear in babies born prematurely.
- In children over 5 years old (white race).
- In children older than 2 years (black race).
Other causes that can generate lactose intolerance is celiac disease, infections or inflammatory disease of the small intestine.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance in children?
- Abdominal distension (swelling).
- Abdominal cramps.
- Flatulence (gas)
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and Vomiting
How long do the symptoms of lactose intolerance last?
Symptoms usually appear from 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming dairy products, the intensity of which depends on the tolerance of each child and depending on the quantities of dairy products consumed.
To know the degree of tolerance of each child, you can gradually incorporate small amounts of milk and observe the child's symptoms.
What should I do if my child is lactose intolerant?
- Reduce the intake of dairy products, according to tolerance, there are children who can tolerate ½ to 1 cup of milk without having any symptoms.
- Observe the labeling of processed foods such as ice cream, soups, bread, cakes, sausages, cold meats, pastries, sweets, prepared or frozen foods, etc.
- Take into account the ingredients in the labels:
1. Lactitol (used in sugar-free chewing gum, cookies, ice cream, etc.) Case 2. Caseinates (calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium)
3. Rennet, curd, milk proteins.
- Consume dairy products with easy digestion such as yogurt, hard cheese, kefir.
- Consume dairy products without lactose, these products have the same nutrients as a normal milk.
- Eat other foods rich in calcium (nuts, green leafy vegetables, legumes, seeds).
- Eat foods fortified with calcium (vegetable drinks fortified with calcium)
How much calcium should a child consume?
- Between 0 and 1 year: 400 - 600 mg
- Between 1 and 10 years: 800 mg
- Between 11 and 18 years: 1200 - 1500 mg
What foods contain calcium?
15 RICH FOODS FOR CHILDREN (100 grams)
| CALCIUM CONTENT (mg) | Raw almond |
|---|---|
| 250 mg | Raw hazelnut |
| 200 mg | Raw peanut |
| 60 mg | Raw peanut |
| 100 mg | Walnut |
| 100 mg | Pipe sunflower |
| 100 mg | Roasted pistachio |
| 135 mg | Sesame seeds |
| 150 mg | Dried fruits (peach, date, raisin) |
| 50 mg | Dry fig |
| 160 mg | Raw spinach |
| 104 mg | Raw chard |
| 104 mg | Soy |
| 80 mg | Bean |
| 83 mg | You know I want the best for you |
| 60 mg | Garbanzo |
| 56 mg | Enriched soy |
| 120 mg |
|
