Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk, with accompanying symptoms such as diarrhea, tummy aches and a bloating sensation. It is caused by an inadequate supply of the enzyme lactase, to digest lactose. If your child has lactose intolerance, here's what you can do to minimize his symptoms while ensuring adequate calcium in his diet:
• for infants, switch to a lactose-free formula.
• for older children with mild lactose intolerance, either offer a low lactose or hydrolyzed milk or give milk in small amounts throughout the day. Cheese and yoghurt are low in lactose and are usually well-tolerated.
• for older children with severe lactose intolerance, avoid foods which contain lactose, such as milk and milk products and non-milk foods which may contain lactose e.g. commercial breads, biscuits, cereals, and vitamin pills. Encourage your child to increase his intake of other calcium-rich foods such as bean curd, anchovies and sardines (with bones), beans, nuts and green leafy vegetables.
• Consult a dietitian for more information and an individualized meal plan for your child.