Intolerance to Milk Sugar (Lactose) In Children

Intolerance (intolerance) of lactose (milk sugar) - one of the types of food intolerance in children. If the baby does not have an enzyme present in the intestinal tract, or if there is an insufficient amount of lactase enzyme (splits lactose), then the digestion (assimilation) of milk sugar (lactose) does not occur or is insufficiently assimilated.

The lack (or absence) of lactase leads to such symptoms as abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence and bloating in the child. If the consumption of milk or milk products contributes to the appearance of such symptoms, then one can assume intolerance to lactose (milk sugar).

Lactose (milk sugar)

Lactose (milk sugar) - the main of a number of sugars in the composition of milk. Lactose is a disaccharide and consists of simpler fragments (simple sugars) - glucose and galactose (connected through an oxygen bridge).

Lactose is found in breast milk (and also in the milk of some animals, 4-6%), which ensures the development of the body in the first months of life.

Lactase (an enzyme that breaks down milk sugar)

Enzyme (enzyme) lactase in the body is formed in the cells of the mucosa of the small intestine and splits lactose into glucose and galactose.

To assimilate (digest) the mother's milk, the baby needs a large amount of lactase. As the mother's milk ceases to be the main source of nutrition for the baby, the amount of lactase produced decreases. However, the residual production of lactase remains in adults and ensures the assimilation of lactose in milk and dairy products.

How often is lactose intolerance?

Intolerance to lactose (milk sugar) - a fairly common phenomenon and can be seen not as a disease, but as an attribute of the body of many people. At least 50% of the population have lactose intolerance to a lesser or greater extent. In infants and young children, lactose intolerance plays a secondary role (less common) than milk allergy (milk proteins).

However, lactose intolerance in children is more significant than in adults, since milk and dairy products occupy an overwhelming share in the nutrition of young children.