Lactose Intolerance in Kids: AAP Guide

Lactose Intolerance in Kids: AAP Guide

Quick Summary: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reviewed lactose intolerance in babies, kids, and teens, explaining types like genetic or temporary ones caused by illness. They found that simple steps like lactase supplements or adjusted dairy can manage symptoms without cutting out milk entirely. The key is keeping calcium intake high for strong bones and healthy growth.

What The Research Found

Lactose intolerance happens when the body lacks enough lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose (milk sugar), leading to tummy troubles like gas, bloating, or diarrhea after dairy. The AAP breaks it down into four main types:

• Primary lactase deficiency: A natural drop in lactase as kids grow older, common in some ethnic groups.
• Secondary lactase deficiency: Temporary loss from gut issues like infections, celiac disease, or injuries.
• Congenital lactase deficiency: Rare genetic condition where babies are born without lactase.
• Developmental lactase deficiency: Seen in premature babies whose enzymes haven't fully developed yet.

To diagnose, doctors might suggest a trial of cutting lactose from the diet or use tests like the hydrogen breath test (which measures gas after drinking a lactose solution) or a biopsy (sampling the gut lining). Treatment focuses on easing symptoms while keeping dairy's benefits: use milk treated with lactase, take lactase pills before eating dairy, limit high-lactose foods, or switch to low-lactose options. Full dairy elimination is a last resort, and the AAP stresses replacing calcium from other sources to support bone health and growth.

Study Details

• Who was studied: This is a review of existing studies on infants (babies under 1 year), children (toddlers to preteens), and adolescents (teens up to 18), focusing on how lactose issues affect young people differently than adults.
• How long: It's a 2006 summary of research up to that point, not a new long-term study—think of it as an expert roundup of past findings rather than tracking people over time.
• What they took: No specific doses here, but recommendations include over-the-counter lactase enzyme drops or pills (taken with meals containing dairy) and lactase-treated products like special milk or yogurt. If avoiding dairy, add calcium from fortified juices, leafy greens, or supplements as advised by a doctor.

What This Means For You

If your child complains of belly pain after milk, don't rush to ban dairy—it provides key nutrients for growing bones and bodies. Start with easy fixes like lactase drops in milk or enzyme pills at meals to see if symptoms improve. For parents of preterm babies or those with gut bugs, know this could be temporary and fixable. Always chat with a pediatrician for testing before big diet changes, and if you do cut dairy, swap in calcium-rich foods like broccoli, almonds, or fortified orange juice to keep your kid strong and healthy. This approach helps kids enjoy ice cream without the ouch.

Study Limitations

This 2006 review relies on older research and expert opinions, so it misses newer ideas like probiotics for gut health or genetic tests for intolerance. It doesn't cover how common this is in different ethnic groups or exact tolerance levels per person, and results can vary. Plus, as a summary, it doesn't have fresh data from real trials—check with a doctor for the latest advice tailored to your family.