Am I lactose intolerant, what are the symptoms in adults and babies, can it be tested and which foods should I avoid?
People sometimes confuse the symptoms of IBS with lactose intolerance
THERE are many dietary requirements from vegan, gluten-free to lactose intolerant.
Lactose-intolerance is a common digestive problem caused by the body’s inability to process lactose.
Am I lactose intolerant?
The common symptoms of lactose intolerance are similar to other conditions, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and milk protein intolerance.
has an interactive test which can help you determine if you are lactose intolerant.
The describes the condition as: “The body digests lactose using a substance called lactase.
“This breaks down lactose into two sugars called glucose and galactose, which can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream.
“People with lactose intolerance don't produce enough lactase, so lactose stays in the digestive system where it's fermented by bacteria.
“This leads to the production of various gases, which cause the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.”
Lactose intolerant can be temporary or permanent.
For adults it tends to be inherited and permanent.
In children, lactose intolerance is often caused by an infection and is temporary.
What are the symptoms in adults?
In adult some of the symptoms include:
- Flatulence (wind)
- Diarrhoea
- Bloated stomach
- Stomach cramps and pains
- Stomach rumbling
- Feeling sick
According to the NHS these usually develop a few hours after consuming lactose.
The website says: “The severity of your symptoms and when they appear depends on the amount of lactose you've consumed.
“Some people may still be able to drink a small glass of milk without triggering any symptoms, while others may not even be able to have milk in their tea or coffee.”
What are the symptoms in babies?
Lactose intolerance in babies is called Cow’s Milk Allergy (CMA).
The estimates it affects between 2 and 7.5 per cent of babies under one.
They add most children grow out of it by the time they’re five.
The NHS website says: “CMA typically develops when cows' milk is first introduced into your baby's diet either in formula or when your baby starts eating solids.
More rarely, it can affect babies who are exclusively breastfed because of cows' milk from the mother's diet passing to the baby through breast milk.”
There are two common types of the CMA, which are:
- Immediate CMA – where symptoms typically begin within minutes of having cows' milk
- Delayed CMA – where symptoms typically begin several hours, or even days, after having cows' milk
There are a range of symptoms associated with CMA, the most severe is an allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, where a child either needs to be rushed to A&E or 999 needs to be called.
NHS list of symptoms of CMA
- Skin reactions – such as a red itchy rash or swelling of the lips, face and around the eyes
- Digestive problems – such as stomach ache, vomiting, colic, diarrhoea or constipation
- Hayfever-like symptoms – such as a runny or blocked nose
- Eczema that doesn't improve with treatment
Is there a test?
There are tests available but it can be diagnosed without the need for tests.
The NHS says: “Before seeing your GP, keep a diary of what you eat and drink, and what symptoms you experience.
“Tell your GP if you notice any patterns, or if there are any foods you seem particularly sensitive to.”
Lactose terminology explained by Nutrition.org
- Lactose is the main carbohydrate in milk products, and comprises a disaccharide consisting of glucose and galactose.
- Lactase is an enzyme located in the small intestine that hydrolyses lactose to its components: glucose and galactose.
- Lactase deficiency or Lactase non-persistence is a decreased activity of lactase in the small intestine.
- Lactose maldigestion occurs as a result of lactase deficiency or non-persistence.
Lactose cannot be fully hydrolysed and absorbed into the portal circulation from the small intestine but passes into the colon. - Lactose intolerance comprises adverse gastrointestinal symptoms caused by lactose maldigestion.
Some of the tests available include:
- Hydrogen breath test
- Lactose tolerance test
- Milk tolerance test
- Small bowel biopsy
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Which foods should I avoid?
As well as being found in dairy products, lactose is also found in a range of other foodstuffs you may not realise.
Arla Foods says: “Lactose is present in many things you wouldn’t expect including crisps, biscuits, crackers, fruit bars, pasta mixes, iced tea and also some coatings on oral medicines.”
You can usually finds a lot of substitute foods, such as milks and chocolate, which don't contain lactose.
Some food which contain lactose:
- Salad cream, salad dressing and mayonnaise
- Biscuits
- Chocolate
- Boiled sweets
- Cakes
- Some types of bread and other baked goods
- Some breakfast cereals
- Packets of mixes to make pancakes and biscuits
- Packets of instant potatoes and instant soup
- Some processed meats, such as sliced ham
Always check the label before eating.