Dealing with Lactose Intolerance in Nigerian Children

Introduction

Let’s explore dealing with lactose intolerance in Nigerian Children.

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which people have difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. The prevalence of lactose intolerance in Nigeria and globally is high, as many people cannot tolerate lactose.

Managing lactose intolerance in children is essential because it impacts their growth and development. Lactose intolerance can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, and diarrhea in children, which can lead to dehydration and malnutrition.

Proper management of lactose intolerance in children involves eliminating or reducing lactose-containing foods and replacing them with other sources of nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. This can be challenging for children in Nigeria because milk and dairy products are a significant part of their diet.

Parents should consult their pediatrician or a registered dietician for guidance on appropriate lactose-free or low-lactose diets and supplement options. They should also ensure that their children are getting enough nutrients from other sources such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fortified foods.

Basically, lactose intolerance is prevalent in Nigeria, and proper management of the condition is crucial for children’s growth and development. Parents should be aware of lactose intolerance symptoms in their children and consult a healthcare professional for guidance on appropriate nutrition plans.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance in Children

It is crucial to identify the symptoms of lactose intolerance in children to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Digestive Symptoms

• Diarrhea
  
  
• Bloating
  
  
• Gas

These are the most common digestive symptoms associated with lactose intolerance. They occur because the body is unable to break down lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. As a result, lactose passes into the colon where it interacts with bacteria, causing gas, diarrhea, and bloating.

Non-digestive Symptoms

• Skin rashes
  
  
• Headaches
  
  
• Generalized abdominal pain

Some children may experience non-digestive symptoms instead of or in addition to the digestive symptoms. These symptoms occur due to the immune system’s reaction to lactose. Skin rashes, headaches, and generalized abdominal pain are among the non-digestive symptoms some children experience.

Consequences of Untreated Lactose Intolerance

If left untreated, lactose intolerance can lead to serious complications.

Some of these complications include:

• Malnutrition due to avoiding dairy products
  
  
• Osteoporosis due to inadequate milk intake
  
  
• Poor growth and development in children
  
  
• Anemia due to decreased calcium absorption

Therefore, it is essential to recognize and treat lactose intolerance in children to ensure they receive adequate nutrition and maintain healthy growth and development.

Read: Nutrition Transition: Navigating Modern Diet Challenges

Diagnosing Lactose Intolerance in Children

Diagnosing lactose intolerance in children can be a daunting task. It requires the involvement of doctors and other healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about this condition. Here are some insights into the diagnosis process:

Role of Doctors and Other Healthcare Professionals

• Primary care physicians play a key role in the diagnosing it in children.
  
  
• They can refer patients to specialists such as gastroenterologists who have more experience in diagnosing and treating this condition.
  
  
• Dietitians can also be included in the diagnosis process to help develop an appropriate diet plan.

Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

• A lactose tolerance test is the most common diagnostic test used to diagnose lactose intolerance.
  
  
• The patient is given a drink that contains lactose and their blood glucose levels are monitored over two hours.
  
  
• If the glucose levels do not rise, it is an indication that the body is not effectively digesting lactose.
  
  
• Hydrogen breath test is another diagnostic test that can be used.
  
  
• The patient consumes a lactose-containing beverage, and the breath is analyzed to detect hydrogen presence. Elevated hydrogen levels indicate improper lactose digestion.
  
  
• For infants and toddlers, the stool acidity test is applicable. This test measures stool acidity after giving a lactose-containing solution to the baby.

Challenges of Diagnosing Lactose Intolerance in Children

• Diagnosing lactose intolerance in children can be challenging due to the similarities in symptoms with other gastrointestinal disorders.
  
  
• In infants and young children, it can be challenging to distinguish lactose intolerance from other digestive disorders such as colic or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  
  
• Some children may experience symptoms of lactose intolerance only when consuming larger amounts of lactose-containing foods. Therefore, it is important to identify the threshold at which symptoms occur.
  
  
• It can be challenging to diagnose lactose intolerance in children who are already on restrictive diets due to other health conditions.

Essentially, diagnosing lactose intolerance in children involves a comprehensive approach with medical professionals, diagnostic tests, and understanding symptoms and challenges. Early diagnosis and effective management enhance children’s quality of life and prevent long-term health complications.

Read: Healthy Snack Ideas for Nigerian Children at School

Managing Lactose Intolerance in Children

Changes to Diet and Nutrition

Children with lactose intolerance must avoid food or drinks that contain lactose, including milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. Instead, they can consume lactose-free products or those that have reduced lactose content.

It is important to ensure that the child still receives sufficient nutrients for growth and development. They can have a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, fish, eggs, and meat. Nutritious drinks like soy milk and almond milk also provide an alternative source of calcium and other essential vitamins.

Alternative Sources of Calcium and Other Nutrients

Calcium is an essential nutrient for the development of strong bones and teeth. Children with lactose intolerance may obtain calcium from non-dairy sources like spinach, broccoli, tofu, almonds, and sesame seeds. Parents can also consider supplements, but it is best to consult a doctor for advice on dosage.

Aside from calcium, children need other essential nutrients like vitamins D and B12. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium and can be obtained from exposure to sunlight or supplements. Meanwhile, vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells and can be found in eggs, meat, and fortified cereals.

Use of Lactase Supplements and Other Treatments

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose in the body. Children with lactose intolerance can take lactase supplements before consuming dairy products to aid in digestion and reduce symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. These supplements are available over-the-counter.

Other treatments for lactose intolerance include probiotics, which help improve digestion, and colonic irrigation, which involves flushing out waste from the colon. However, these treatments should be used with caution and only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers and Infants

Breast milk is the best food for infants, and mothers with lactose intolerance can still breastfeed by modifying their diet.

They can consume lactose-free milk or soy milk and avoid consuming foods that produce gas, like beans and broccoli. Maintaining a healthy diet ensures that breastfeeding infants receive sufficient nutrients.

For formula-fed infants with lactose intolerance, lactose-free or soy-based formulas are available. However, parents should seek advice from a healthcare professional before introducing any changes to their child’s diet.

In a nutshell, lactose intolerance in children can be managed through changes in diet and nutrition, the use of lactase supplements, and other treatments under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Parents should ensure that their child receives sufficient nutrients for growth and development, and breastfeeding mothers can still feed their infants with modifications to their diet. By following proper management strategies, children with lactose intolerance can still enjoy a healthy and happy life.

Read: Smart Parenting: Encouraging Physical Activity in Kids

Preventing complications and maintaining overall health

• Identify and address potential nutrient deficiencies through proper diet and supplementation.
  
  
• Make sure to include sources of calcium, vitamin D, and other key nutrients in the child’s meal plan.
  
  
• Work with a registered dietitian to create a meal plan that is adequate in nutrients and fits the child’s cultural preferences.
  
  
• Encourage regular exercise and physical activity, which can help improve bone density and overall health.
  
  
• Teach stress-reduction techniques, as stress can exacerbate symptoms of lactose intolerance.
  
  
• Regularly monitor the child’s symptoms and bowel movements and make adjustments to their diet as necessary.
  
  
• Follow-up with the child’s healthcare provider for routine check-ups and evaluations of their overall health.

Preventing complications and maintaining overall health in Nigerian children with lactose intolerance requires identifying and addressing nutrient deficiencies, especially for calcium and vitamin D. Working with a dietitian ensures a personalized, nutritious meal plan.

Regular exercise improves bone density, muscle strength, and digestion. Monitoring symptoms helps identify trigger foods. Regular check-ups by healthcare providers detect and treat potential complications.

Read: The Significance of Regular Check-ups for Children

Conclusion

After exploring lactose intolerance in Nigerian children, there are a few key points to keep in mind. First, lactose intolerance is a common condition that affects many children. Second, diagnosis and management are crucial to helping children overcome this condition.

It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of lactose intolerance symptoms and seek medical advice when necessary. Lactose intolerance can be easily managed through dietary changes, use of lactase supplements, and other treatments prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Lastly, parents and caregivers should seek out resources and support for managing lactose intolerance in children. This may include consulting with a registered dietitian, speaking with other parents of lactose-intolerant children, and researching lactose-free alternatives for dairy products.

By taking proactive steps towards managing lactose intolerance, parents and caregivers can help their children live healthy and happy lives without dairy-induced discomfort.