Dairy Intolerance In Babies

Dairy intolerance is the inability of a person to digest the sugar in milk and other diary products.
It is very common in babies and sometimes confused with fructose malabsorption (Wikipedia).

Other Names

Lactose intolerance is also known as dairy intolerance, lactase deficiency, disaccharidase deficiency and hypolactasia (Wikipedia).

When was Lactose Sugar first Discovered

Lactose was said to be first discovered in 1619 and later identified as a sugar by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1780.

The Three Types Of Lactase Deficiency

The three types of lactase deficiency are:

- primary lactase deficiency:  is the most common type; genetic form
- secondary lactase deficiency:  caused by intestinal damage, intestinal parasites and other environmental factors; occurs mostly in infants
- congenital lactase deficiency: very common in Finland; rarest form; genetic

How common is Dairy Intolerance

The instances of dairy intolerance are very rear. However, in most cases a child inherits genes from their parents for lactose intolerance.

The lactase deficiency is most prevalent in Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, Jewish and Native Americans. It occurs less frequently in people of European descent (Baby Center).

The Difference Between A Milk Allergy and Lactase Deficiency

A milk allergy is an immune response in the body. Conversely, lactose intolerance is digestive dysfunction.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

- severe diarrhea
- diaper rash
- dehydration
- vomiting
- weakness and irritability
- slow weight gain (WebMD)

It is very important to notice any changes in your child. Any slight irregularities in their behavior should be taken very seriously. Sometimes  you may have to consult a physician.

Tests

If the symptoms are similar to those of dairy intolerance the doctor may allow you to have an allergy test.
There are several tests associated with this type of allergy testing. They are:

- the hydrogen breath test : a clinical gas chromatograph or compact solid-state detector is used to detect hydrogen in the patient’s breath. Hydrogen is present if the individual cannot be digested
- stool acidity test: a test used on babies to test the acidity of their stool
- the lactose tolerance test (WebMD)

What Causes Dairy Intolerance?
- bowel surgery
- intestinal diseases
- premature birth
- infections in the small intestine (Medline Plus )

Alternatives to Dairy Products

One of the things people consider about  lactose intolerance is how to obtain the adequate nutrients that are found in milk and dairy products.

If a person wants expert advice on to have a balanced diet without diary products they should consult a dietician.

There are  fruits and vegetables that are nutritionally equivalent to milk and milk items.

Additionally, mothers that are healthy enough to produce breast milk can choose to breastfeed.

Benefits of Breast Milk

Breast Milk is one of those resources that cannot be replaced.

Children that are given breast milk are :

- less likely to get diarrhea
- they are more likely to have a stronger immune system
- least likely to get an ear infection
- least likely to die, especially from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome/SIDS
- least likely to develop allergies and eczema (Natural Resources Defense Council)

Unfortunately, a lactase deficiency can never be cured–it can only be treated with a good, alternative diet–with little or no milk.