What should I do if my child is lactose intolerant?

As well as, most importantly, what to feed a child with lactose intolerance? Children with lactose intolerance are unable to digest this substance, the sugar contained in cow's milk. What to do with such a child and what to feed him, because dairy products contain the most important substances for the baby: sugars, animal fats, calcium, which is necessary for the growth of bones, teeth and hair?

Read also: Carbohydrate intolerance

What is lactose?

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

What is the danger of lactose intolerance?

Children with lactose intolerance do not produce enough lactase, so when they eat foods containing lactose, the milk sugar remains undigested and remains in the large intestine.

It then begins to ferment inside the colon. This can cause gastrointestinal symptoms including gas, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea. All the bells and whistles that a healthy child does not need, as it slows down their growth and development.

What to do for children with lactose intolerance?

Children with lactose intolerance can sometimes eat or drink small amounts of dairy products, but this depends on how little lactase their bodies produce. The best way to combat lactose intolerance in children is to avoid upsetting their tummies by not eating dairy products. However, this can leave children short of important nutrients found in milk, such as calcium. Calcium is especially important for children as they grow and need it to build strong, healthy bones.

Milk and dairy products are a great source of calcium, but what can parents do if their children cannot drink milk? There is a good solution to this problem - drinking soy milk. Most soy products, especially milk, are fortified with calcium. They also contain other important vitamins for the growth and development of children.

A little about soy milk

Soy milk is made from soybeans that are soaked, ground, and mixed with water. Because soybeans do not come from an animal source, they are free of harmful cholesterol and very low in fat. Even though soy milk is plant-based, its nutritional value is almost the same as cow's milk.

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

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How to switch a child to soy milk?

Switching your baby from cow's milk to soy milk is fairly easy. Most babies like the taste of soy milk, especially vanilla-flavored soy milk. You can start introducing this beverage by offering your baby vanilla or chocolate soy milk or by drinking it first.

You can also make soy milkshakes, frozen treats, hot chocolate, any interesting dishes made with your own 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 solved.

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

As with any new food, your baby may need to try soy milk a few times before he decides whether he likes it or not.

Try mixing soy milk with fruits or berries that your child likes. For example, if your child likes bananas, you might want to try making a banana smoothie with soy milk.

Offer your child more than one soy milk dish. Give your child a wide range of choices. Take your child shopping with you. Show him all the different soy milk options and let him choose the ones he wants to try.

Soy milk is a good alternative to cow's milk. If the child's body is lactose intolerant, then you need to look for and find new products that would allow your baby to grow and develop.

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