The enzyme lactase is a vital element for growth and development

More often at the next examination at the pediatrician the diagnosis "lactase deficiency" sounds. The deficiency of the enzyme lactase is common among children of the first years of life and is gaining immense proportions. Among the adult population, this ailment is extremely rare - only a few cases have been recorded.

The value of lactase for the baby's body

For children of the first year of life, the main food is breast milk or an adapted milk formula. They necessarily contain milk sugar - lactose. It is necessary for the full development of the brain and almost half satisfies the infant's daily need for energy.

Entering the intestines of the child, lactose is split. It is possible only in the presence of a special enzyme - lactase. The enzyme lactase splits lactose up to two components - glucose and galactose. Glucose is responsible for the supply of energy, and galactose is important for the full development of the nervous system of the baby.

Lactase insufficiency

If lactose is not altered in the intestine due to lack or lack of enzyme lactase, its accumulation occurs with each feeding. Large amounts of lactose create a favorable environment for the reproduction of microorganisms. Their vital activity contributes to the occurrence of frequent diarrhea, severe gas formation and pain in the intestines. The acidic environment of the liquid stool negatively affects the walls of the intestine, causing their damage.

In this case, it is most often recommended to pass a stool test to the Benedict test. It gives information on the percentage of carbohydrates, if it is increased, is diagnosed with "lactase deficiency".

Causes of lactase deficiency

Factors affecting the restriction or lack of activity of the lactase enzyme are grouped into two groups: primary and secondary.

Primary lactase deficiency is extremely rare, it happens:

• Congenital, caused by a genetic malfunction;
• In premature infants due to inadequate intestinal maturity at the time of birth.

Secondary lactase deficiency is a common diagnosis, it develops against the background of the already existing gastrointestinal tract. First of all, the treatment is aimed at eliminating the infection. As a rule, the recovery of lactase enzyme is normalized upon recovery.

Symptoms of lactase deficiency in newborns

The reason for calling a doctor and immediately passing the test is the appearance of symptoms:

• Frequent diarrhea in a child or, conversely, constipation;
• During feeding or immediately after it the child becomes moody;
• Increased gassing, bloating (infantile colic);
• Regurgitation in large numbers;
• Insufficient body weight gain;
• In the stool there are undigested lumps of food and mucus with herbs.

Methods of treatment

If the deficiency is established, preparations of the enzyme lactase are prescribed. They must be consumed with each meal, so that the lactose is cleaved in a timely manner.

The enzyme lactase for newborns and older children is realized under the following names:

1. "Lactase".
2. "Lactase Baby".
3. "Lactazar".

Instructions for using these supplements are similar: for babies 1 capsule per 100 ml of milk formula or 25 ml of breast milk. The contents of the capsule are dissolved in a bottle with a mixture and immediately offered to the baby. When breastfeeding, milk is first given with the enzyme, in a few minutes - the breast.

These recommendations are general, the choice of an individual dosage is handled by a pediatrician who observes the child. The exact amount of lactase is assigned depending on the results of the analysis giving information on the degree of enzyme deficiency.

Adults and the elderly are also shown preparations containing the enzyme lactase. As a rule, at this age, dairy products are worse absorbed - medicines have a positive effect on this process. In addition, the enzyme is recommended after the transferred intestinal infections to normalize its microflora and restore the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.

The enzyme lactase is vital for the full development of the child's body, the digestion of the dairy carbohydrate receives the necessary amount of energy, the central nervous system develops normally. Lactase also provides powerful support for the digestive system of dairy products in elderly people.