What is Lactose?
Lactose is the sugar found in milk and milk products. Human breast milk contains around 7% lactose and formula contains a similar amount.
Lactose is broken down in the stomach by the enzyme Lactase into Glucose and Galactose, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream and used by the body.
What is lactose overload?
Lactose overload is a temporary problem where an overload of lactose (sugar) occurs and the baby’s digestive system is unable to produce sufficient quantities of the digestive enzyme lactase to break down all of the lactose received.
How is lactose overload different from lactose intolerance?
Essentially, Lactose Overload is as a result of too much Lactose sugar taken in and the baby cannot produce sufficient quantities of the enzyme Lactase quickly enough. Lactose overload is frequently misdiagnosed as lactose intolerance. Lactose Intolerance is as a result of the baby not producing sufficient quantities of the enzyme Lactase. Both conditions display identical gastric symptoms. However, unlike lactose intolerance, where the child fails to gain weight (or loses weight) and is very unwell, an infant with lactose overload is healthy and thriving.
Hi frank. I read the above about lactose over load. Could a 5.5month old baby still display these signs…pediatrician thinks silent reflux but allopathic meds (nexium,ulsanic ) only worked for 4 days. He wanted to do a ph test but when I asked him the treatment thereafter he said…nexium…which didn’t work in the first place. We are on our 3rd remedy from the homeopath who suspects lactose intolerance but because her knowledge wrt breastfeeding is limited she is also not 100%sure… so,again my question ..could over supply/ lactose overload be the problem in a baby of 5 months 2 weeks?
I don’t know where to turn for help anymore. We’ve been for two craniosacral therapy sessions too.
Would really appreciate your reply.
Tia
Heidi menezes
Hello Heidi,
Lactose Intolerance is a temporary condition that mostly affects babies under 6 weeks of age. As you have stated your baby still has these symptoms at 5 months old therefore we may need to look at another diagnosis. If you live locally Heidi then I can call you – you can email your contact number to frankkelleherosteopath@gmail.com .