What kind of formula should a baby with lactose intolerance drink?

Written by Wu Ben Rong
Pediatrics
Updated on January 16, 2025
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If a child is lactose intolerant, parents can go to a maternity and baby store to pick a lactose-free infant formula. Lactose intolerance is due to a deficiency or insufficient activity of lactase in the small intestinal mucosa, which results in the inability to completely digest and break down the lactose in breast milk or cow's milk. Common symptoms may include weeks of diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. Primary lactose intolerance is usually caused by genetic factors, while secondary lactose intolerance is generally caused by gastroenteritis. When a child exhibits the aforementioned symptoms, parents need to improve the child's diet and switch to a lactose-free infant formula, which not only ensures the child's nutritional intake but also alleviates the condition of lactose intolerance. If necessary, they should visit a formal hospital for relevant examinations and treatment.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What should I do if I vomit due to lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance can lead to vomiting, which can be managed based on the condition by symptomatic treatment. For example, Metoclopramide can be used orally or through muscle injection to alleviate vomiting. If necessary, chlorpromazine injections can also be used for treatment. The choice of specific medications and their administration must adhere to medical advice. In addition to addressing the symptoms, it is essential to treat the primary disease causing lactose intolerance. For instance, if it is caused by ulcerative colitis, then treatment should focus on this condition. In the case of primary lactose intolerance, a lifelong avoidance of lactose-containing foods is necessary. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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Can infant lactose intolerance cause bloody stools?

When infants experience lactose intolerance, there is a possibility of bloody stools. With lactose intolerance, infants will exhibit symptoms such as an increased frequency of bowel movements, diarrhea, and bloating. If the frequency of bowel movements is particularly high, for instance more than ten times, or even more, especially over a prolonged period, the gastrointestinal function of the infant is not very perfect. An increase in bowel movements can exacerbate damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, potentially leading to bloody stools. Additionally, when the frequency of bowel movements is very high, it could lead to damage to the perianal skin, which might also result in bloody stools. Or, when an infant has lactose intolerance, if they are also suffering from other viral or bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract, the likelihood of bloody stools may increase. Therefore, if we consider that an infant has lactose intolerance, it is crucial to promptly add lactase for treatment and to switch to a different formula for oral administration.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Lactose intolerance lacks what enzyme?

Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of lactase, which can lead to diarrhea when consuming dairy products. Thus, patients with this condition should avoid consuming milk powder, cow's milk, goat's milk, etc. If they must consume dairy, they should choose products that have been specially processed. Patients with lactose intolerance can drink rice soup, thin porridge, millet congee, and similar foods. It is also important for these patients to maintain dietary hygiene, avoid overeating, and avoid binge eating. Eating small, frequent meals to ensure a steady supply of nutrients is recommended.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of infant milk powder lactose intolerance

The symptoms of infant milk formula lactose intolerance typically manifest in the following areas: Firstly, the most direct symptom is abnormal stool in infants, which looks poorly digested with more milk curds, and this is the most common direct symptom. Secondly, the baby may experience increased gastrointestinal gas, bloating, abdominal pain, leading to restless sleep and irritability. Furthermore, the baby may exhibit a decreased appetite and varying degrees of vomiting. Of course, most cases of infant lactose intolerance occur after an intestinal viral infection, so there may also be symptoms related to viral intestinal infections.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What kind of milk should adults with lactose intolerance drink?

If an adult is lactose intolerant and allergic to drinking milk, they must drink milk that has undergone some special treatment. If it is not specially treated, drinking it can easily cause diarrhea. Diarrhea from drinking milk may also be due to an allergy to a component of the milk. If that is the case, it is necessary to improve allergen detection and try to avoid drinking milk. If diarrhea is caused by poor digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, some medications that regulate intestinal flora can be used for supportive treatment.