What to Do If Your Newborn Is Lactose Intolerant?
Lactose intolerance, as the words suggest, is a digestive problem where one is unable to tolerate or digest lactose. Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. It plays a vital role as an energy source for breast or formula-fed babies. It does not cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels and can help enhance the absorption of minerals like calcium, manganese, and magnesium. ‘Lactose intolerance occurs because of the deficiency of this enzyme. Though not serious, it can impact one’s life quality by causing abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhoea’, shares Best Pediatrician in South Delhi.
Furthermore, lactose serves as a prebiotic, thus supporting gut health. This sugar gets broken down in the small intestine naturally with the help of an enzyme called lactase.
If you find out your newborn is lactose intolerant, here’s what you need to do:
Go for the child’s diagnosis.
First and foremost, confirm a diagnosis of lactose intolerance by seeing a nearby, top-rated paediatrician. Discuss with the child specialist about dietary changes and potential formula options. Regularly visit the specialist for health check-ups.
Seek professional guidance related to dietary management.
Check if reduced-lactose formulas or lactose-free milk can be used to feed your baby. And if yes, confirm when it will be safe to gradually reintroduce a lactose diet. If dietary intake is insufficient for calcium, the doctor will recommend whether it will be safe for your baby to take a calcium supplement.
Identify and avoid triggers.
When choosing baby foods, check on product labels carefully and see if there is no hidden lactose.
Manage symptoms.
If your newborn is passing a lot of gas or is creating fuss, adjust your baby’s diet with the doctor’s recommendation. In case your baby is having severe symptoms like persistent diarrhoea or other, seek immediate attention from a child specialist.
Check on the duration of lactose intolerance.
If your newborn was down with a viral infection and then became lactose intolerant, then it’s a temporary issue which will resolve as the digestive system heals. However, if your baby is born with lactase deficiency, then your baby will need lifelong dietary adjustments and avoid lactose-based foods.
Want your newborn to thrive despite lactose intolerance? Consult with Dr. Promilla Butani, a renowned child specialist and Pediatrician in Delhi. She has guided many parents about their kids' lactose intolerance and gut issues. Consult her for details.
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