It is important to consult a health care professional when seeking diagnosis and management of lactose intolerance in children as it is essential that they continue to consume enough calcium to ensure a healthy development. We have developed advice for parents of lactose intolerant children, from babies to teenagers, with the help of Registered Dietitian Sian Porter and Paediatrician Dr Adam Fox.
Babies will need breast milk or formula milk until they’re at least 12 months old. Cows’ milk is not suitable as a drink until a baby is a year old because it contains too much salt and protein, and not enough iron and other nutrients, to meet their needs. From six months, you can incorporate Lactofree fruit yogurt, soft white cheese and semi-hard cheese into weaning, just as you would with regular dairy.
Between these ages, children can continue with breast or formula milk or they can begin to drink full fat real dairy without the lactose with Lactofree whole dairy drink, along with Lactofree yogurt and cheese, which offer all the taste and nutritional value of regular dairy.
Toddlers can start to have Lactofree semi-skimmed dairy drink if they have a varied diet. Fully skimmed milk isn’t suitable until children are five years old, because it doesn’t contain enough calories for a growing child.
From six years of age, health care professionals can give children a lactose breath test to diagnose their intolerance.
A teenager is still growing and is at a very important time of their development particularly for bone health. Lactose intolerance should be diagnosed by a doctor and managed with the help of a Dietitian to ensure their diet is balanced and sufficient for their nutritional needs.
Galactosaemia can be a dangerous condition that involves the inability to break down galactose, found in milk. As Lactofree is cows' milk, simply with the lactose removed, it is not suitable for people who suffer from Galactosaemia.
Immediate type allergy to cows’ milk - The immune system is sensitive to the protein in cows’ milk and causes potentially severe reactions such as hives, swelling and wheezing. Severe reactions are potentially life threatening. Treatment is complete avoidance of cows’ milk protein and therefore Lactofree products (which still contain milk protein) are unsuitable.
Delayed type allergy to cows’ milk - The immune system is sensitive to the protein in cows’ milk and causes delayed reactions, often causing chronic symptoms such as eczema, reflux or diarrhoea. Reactions are not life threatening but can be very unpleasant and may go undiagnosed for some time. Treatment is avoidance of cows’ milk protein and therefore Lactofree products (which still contain milk protein) are unsuitable.
This advice has been developed in conjunction with Dr Adam Fox, Consultant & Honorary Senior Lecturer in Paediatric Allergy, Dr John Mayberry, Consultant Gastroenterologist, and Sian Porter, Registered Dietitian.
The elimination diet is not suitable for adults who show signs of weight loss, children under the age of 16 or people with Galactosaemia.
“Since her diagnosis, my daughter has flourished so much. She can now have cheese sandwiches again and actually looks forward to lunchtimes at school – something she used to dread.”
“I discovered my 20 month old son was lactose intolerant when he was a few weeks old. Now he is just starting to talk, and one of his favourite words is cheese!”