Will baby lactose intolerance get better on its own?

Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
Updated on January 24, 2025
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Whether lactose intolerance in babies will resolve on its own depends on the severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms are mild, mothers should pay attention to a balanced diet, which may gradually lead to recovery. However, if the symptoms are more pronounced, it is necessary to visit the hospital promptly for diagnosis. If diagnosed with lactose intolerance, medication, such as lactase, may be required, and the medication should be administered according to the specific conditions of the child. For babies under six months who are exclusively breastfed, it is crucial for mothers to ensure a balanced nutrition. If the baby is over six months old, they should be fed foods that are easy to digest.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
1min 11sec home-news-image

Can infant lactose intolerance be self-healing?

Whether infant lactose intolerance can self-heal needs to be identified as either congenital or secondary. If it is congenital lactose intolerance, it means that the baby's own intestines cannot produce lactase, and thus the symptoms of lactose intolerance cannot be alleviated. However, secondary lactose intolerance, such as that caused by chronic diarrhea or infection which leads to a reduction in lactase, can be recoverable. The reduction in lactase production caused by chronic diarrhea does not mean that the intestines have lost their normal function to secrete lactase. Therefore, by using lactose-free formula or avoiding foods containing lactose, the normal intestinal flora can be repaired, achieving relief from the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Additionally, if there is a viral infection, particularly rotavirus infection-induced lactose intolerance, it can also be alleviated through dietary adjustments to promote the repair of the intestinal flora. Therefore, the treatment of lactose intolerance should vary from person to person, and it is important to identify early whether it is primary or secondary.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
1min home-news-image

Can breastfeeding cause lactose intolerance?

Breast milk can also cause lactose intolerance, primarily because it also contains lactose, which plays an important role in the nutrition of infants, promoting the development of the brain's nervous system and providing energy for the growth and development of the baby. However, conditions such as rotavirus gastroenteritis or chronic diarrhea can trigger a dysbiosis of the gut flora, leading to insufficient secretion of lactase in babies. Once lactose intolerance occurs and is not alleviated in time, it can prolong the course of the baby's diarrhea, cause digestive and nutritional absorption disorders, often resulting in watery stools increasing in frequency, and the baby may also experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Therefore, in such cases, it is necessary to temporarily stop breastfeeding, administer lactase or switch to lactose-free formula milk for management, and resume normal diet once the symptoms are relieved.

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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.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Symptoms of baby lactose intolerance

If a child has lactose intolerance, the main symptoms are related to the digestive system, such as frequent bloating. Children may experience bloating and restlessness at night, and even signs of intestinal colic. There are abnormal bowel movement frequencies, such as constipation for several days, as well as diarrhea with a noticeable increase in stool frequency and a looser stool consistency. Sometimes, there may be symptoms of bloody stools, which should alert caregivers to the possibility of lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is divided into primary and secondary forms. Primary lactose intolerance is more common in Chinese due to genetic factors. Secondary lactose intolerance is mainly due to other reasons that lead to a deficiency of intestinal lactase, with infections and acute gastroenteritis being common causes. For children with lactose intolerance, lactase can be added to breast milk or lactose-free formula can be used. It is also advised to regularly recheck urinary lactose levels. If levels return to normal, breastfeeding can continue. If abnormalities persist, gradually introduce solid foods, as a normal diet usually does not significantly affect the child.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can lactose intolerance cause eczema?

Lactose intolerance generally does not cause eczema in patients. Lactose intolerance can be divided into primary lactase deficiency, secondary lactase deficiency, and congenital lactase deficiency. Patients with lactose intolerance mainly experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, increased bowel sounds, intestinal colic, and bloating. Some patients experience reduced intestinal motility, leading to constipation, and the severity of symptoms is related to the amount of dairy products consumed. Therefore, a small number of patients can tolerate a certain amount of dairy products without experiencing significant symptoms, and the specific tolerable amount varies from person to person.