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What if the baby does not tolerate lactose?

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021

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As well as the main thing - how to feed a child with lactose intolerance? Children with lactose intolerance are not able to digest this substance, the sugar contained in cow's milk. How to deal with such a child and how to feed it, because the dairy products contain the most important substances for the baby: sugar, animal fats, calcium, which is necessary for the growth of bones, teeth and hair?

What is lactose?

The small intestine produces a digestive enzyme, also known as lactase. Lactase breaks down lactose (the main component of dairy products) into smaller sugars, known as glucose and galactose, which absorbs our body and turns it into energy.

What is dangerous lactose intolerance?

The organism of children with lactose intolerance does not produce enough lactase, so when they eat foods containing lactose, the milk sugar remains undigested, and in this form it remains in the colon.

Then he begins to wander inside the large intestine. This can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including gases, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea. The whole gentleman's set, which is completely useless to a healthy child, as it slows down its growth and development.

What should children do with lactose intolerance?

Children with lactose intolerance can sometimes eat or drink a small amount of dairy products, but this depends on how little their body produces lactase. The best way to combat lactose intolerance in children is to avoid trouble with their tummies without eating dairy products. However, children may not receive such important nutrients contained in milk as calcium. Calcium is especially important for children when they grow and need this substance to form strong, healthy bones.

Milk and dairy products are an excellent source of calcium, but what can parents do if their children can not drink milk? There is a good solution to this issue - the use of soy milk. Most of the products from soy, in particular milk, are fortified with calcium. They also have other important vitamins for the growth and development of children.

A little bit about soy milk

Soymilk is made from soybeans, which are soaked, ground and mixed with water. Since soybeans are not taken from an animal source, they do not contain harmful cholesterol and very little fat. Even if soy milk is of plant origin, its nutritional value is almost the same as that of cow's milk.

Soy products have the same amount of protein, vitamins A, D, riboflavin and B12 as cow's milk. Soymilk is not only a good substitute for cow milk, it has numerous health benefits for children due to the good vitamin composition in it. If soy milk is consumed by the whole family, it will be a product that will lower cholesterol, protect against osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.

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How to transfer a child to soy milk?

Transferring the baby from cow to soy milk is pretty easy. Most children like the taste of soy milk, especially with a vanilla flavor. You can start incorporating this drink into the diet by offering the baby vanilla or chocolate soy milk or by drinking it first.

You can also make soy milkshakes, frozen delicacies, hot chocolate, any interesting dishes cooked with your hands from soy milk. Use plain or vanilla soy milk in your favorite recipes instead of cow's milk - and the problem with lactose intolerance will be resolved.

A few more tips on how to comfortably switch to soy milk

As with any new food, your child may need to try to try soy milk several times before he decides if he likes it or not.

Try to mix soy milk with fruits or berries that the baby likes. For example, if a baby loves bananas, it is worth trying to make a banana cocktail with soy milk.

Offer the child more than one dish of soy milk. Let the baby have a rich choice. Take your child with you for shopping. Show him all the options of soy milk and let him choose those species that he wants to try.

Soymilk is a good alternative to a cow. If the body does not tolerate lactose, then you need to look for and find new products that would allow your baby to grow and develop.

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