Lactose Intolerance

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance describes the condition in which some babies are unable to digest lactose, a natural sugar found in cows’ milk. Lactose intolerance is common in young babies¹ and is often only a temporary problem.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can be painful. They include: excessive wind and bloating; abdominal pain and cramping; discomfort; diarrhoea and crying.

Causes

There are potentially two main causes: Low lactase enzyme activity causing a build-up of lactose in the gut^2,3and episodes of gastroenteritis.^4,5The enzyme lactase normally breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose in the small intestine.

If there is a reduction in the amount of lactase produced, this could cause lactose to pass through the small intestine undigested, which can cause pain and discomfort.

Villi are finger like projections that line the intestinal tract that aid absorption through increasing the gut area.
The enzyme lactase sits on the surface of these villi. Diarrhoea, can cause a temporary reduction in the amount of enzymes. Some babies also may have low levels of lactase in the early months, and a few have no lactase present at all.
When milk is consumed, the result is a build up of excess lactose (milk sugars) and not enough enzyme (lactase) to break it down.
Gut bacteria break down the excess lactose resulting in gases and continuing diarrhoea.

Dietary Management

Lactose-free diets may help reduce the pain and discomfort caused by lactose intolerance.^2,3,6A clinically lactose-free infant formula such as SMA LF* could be recommended.

Click through to Products for information on SMA LF

References:

1. Editorials. Lactose intolerance. Irish Med J 1996; 89: 84-85.

2. Kearney PJ, Malone AJ et al. A trial of lactase in the management of infant colic. J Hum Nutr 1998; 11: 281-285.

3. Kanabar D et al. Improvement of symptoms in infant colic following reduction of lactose load with lactase. Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics 2001;14: 359-363.

4. Saavedra JM, Perman JA. Current Concepts in Lactose Malabsorption and Intolerance. Ann Rev Nutr 1989; 9: 475-502.

5. Wall CR, Webster J et al. The nutritional management of acute diarrhoea in young infants: Effect of carbohydrate ingested. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutrition 1994; 19: 170-174.

6. /Home/nav/exitpage.aspx?url=http://www.prodigy.nhs.uk/colic_infantile

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Breast milk is best for babies. This product must be used under medical supervision. SMA LF is a clinically lactose free milk based formula for the dietary management of infants and young children who are intolerant to lactose or sucrose, or who are suffering from symptoms such as diarrhoea, tummy ache or wind caused by temporary lactose intolerance. It is suitable as the sole source of nutrition for infants up to six months of age, and in conjunction with solid food, for infants and young children up to eighteen months of age. Professional advice must be followed on the need for and proper use of formulae and on all matters of infant feeding. SMA LF is not suitable for those who are allergic to cows' milk protein, or who suffer from galactosaemia or require a galactose free diet.

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This information is intended for use only by residents of the UK and ROI