Low lactose diet for children
lactose; intolerance; milk;
Contents
What is lactose?
Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk. It is found in different amounts in all dairy products and any processed foods which contain milk.
What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body's ability to break down and absorb lactose is reduced.
Lactose intolerance may be temporary, or may be a longer term problem.
After gastroenteritis, a low lactose diet may be recommended for a few weeks to allow the digestive system to recover. After 4-6 weeks a normal diet can usually be reintroduced.
Which foods are allowed on a low lactose diet?
Regular milk and products based on milk should be avoided. Read ingredient labels on food products carefully and avoid foods which contain milk, milk solids, non fat milk solids, milk powder, lactose, casein, whey and cream.
Milk substitutes
Milk is a very important source of calcium, energy, protein and vitamins in a child's diet. A suitable milk substitute should be used while your child is on a low lactose diet. The following infant formula and milk drinks are low in lactose.
Milks of choice
- Karicare Delact* and S26 LF*
Suitable from birth.
- Digestelact* and Lactose Free milks
There are a range of lactose free milks available as powdered, fresh or long life milk. These are suitable for children over 1 year of age.
Alternatives (Soy based):
- Infasoy*, Karicare Soya* and Isomil*
Suitable from birth.
- Fresh or Long Life Soy milk:
Suitable after 1 year of age. Choose a Soy milk which has added calcium, eg. So-Good Regular* or Vitasoy*.
If your baby is being breast fed it is not necessary to stop breastfeeding, but discuss management with your doctor or dietitian.
Goats' milk contains lactose, and is not suitable for children with lactose intolerance.
Low lactose foods
Offer your child a variety of foods from each good group.
Breads and cereals
- Check labels on bread, breakfast cereals, instant rice and pasta meals, and tinned spaghetti.
Fruit and vegetables
- Fruit and vegetables contain a different sugar and are not a problem for children with lactose intolerance.
- Avoid instant mashed potato, and vegetables with white or cheese sauces.
Meat and protein foods
- Check labels on fritz sausages, fish fingers, and baked beans.
Milk and milk products
- Avoid regular milk, yoghurt, ice-cream, cream, custard, milk desserts, cream cheese, processed cheese, cheese spread, ricotta cheese and cottage cheese.
- Use lactose free milk in place of ordinary milk for cereals, custards and sauces.
Suitable low lactose dairy products
- Matured cheeses, (Cheddar, Edam, Tasty and Swiss cheese) are low in lactose and are suitable for a low lactose diet.
- Lactose free yoghurts and custards are available from some supermarkets
Fats and oils
- Butter and margarine are allowed on a low lactose diet.
Other foods
- Other foods that may contain lactose include biscuits, cakes, cake mixes, creamed soups, mayonnaise, milk chocolate, and milk flavourings such as Milo*, Actavite* and Ovaltine*.
- Even though there is lactose in these foods your child may tolerate them in small amounts.
Important points
- The ability to tolerate lactose varies from person to person.
- If you child's symptoms do not improve or if there are on going issues, contact your doctor.
Reference
The information in this topic comes from a pamphlet 'Low lactose diet for children' developed by the Nutrition Department at the Women's and Children's Hospital, South Australia.
*Please Note: The brand names of products referred to in any of these parent health guidelines are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all commercially available products on the market. However, those names which are mentioned are well-known brands and readily available on the market in Australia.
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.