Low lactose diet for children
lactose; intolerance; milk;
Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk, including breastmilk and formula. It is found in different amounts in all dairy products and any processed foods which contain milk. It is broken down to simpler sugars in the small bowel, by the enzyme lactase.
If there is not enough lactase, undigested lactose passes through to the large bowel. Here, bacteria feed on the lactose, and this forms gas and water.
To find out more:
Nutrition Department of the Women's and Children's Hospital, South Australia http://www.wch.sa.gov.au/
Raising Children Network Raising Children website is produced with the help of an extensive network including the Australian Government.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/
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.