Lactose Intolerant Kids Should Not Avoid Dairy

(HealthCentersOnline) - Children with lactose intolerance still need to include dairy foods in their diet to ensure proper nutrition for bone health and overall growth, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advised in a recent report.

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body is unable to produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose for easy digestion. Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include stomach cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea and nausea.

For this report, the AAP cited previous research that indicated that many children who are sensitive to lactose are able to tolerate small quantities of milk without discomfort, especially when consumed with other foods. Some dairy foods like hard cheeses (e.g., cheddar, Swiss), yogurt with live active cultures and lactose-free or lactose-reduced milk are well tolerated by people who are lactose intolerant. The AAP warns against avoiding dairy foods completely during childhood and adolescence.

The AAP advises individuals who think they or their children might be sensitive to lactose to consult with their physician for a full evaluation because dietary history by itself is not a good indicator for the condition.

The AAP also recommends the following guidelines for individuals with problems digesting lactose:

Drinking milk with food
Consuming cheeses that are low in lactose, especially aged cheeses (e.g., cheddar, Swiss)
Introducing dairy foods slowly and gradually increasing the amount
Incorporating lactose-free milk and milk products
Eating yogurt with live active cultures, which helps digest lactose

"While calcium-fortified beverages and other foods can provide an alternative source of calcium, the report reinforces that they do not provide an equivalent nutrient package to dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt. We hope this report will further educate parents on how to continue dairy in the diets of children sensitive to lactose and also help improve their nutrient intake," said Ann Marie Krautheim, registered dietician and senior vice president of nutrition and health promotion at the National Dairy Council, in a recent press release.