Lactose is a natural sugar found in breast milk, baby formula, and dairy products, providing energy and supporting overall development. Let’s explore what lactose is, its role in the body, and how to supplement it effectively with AVAKids!

What is Lactose?

Lactose is a natural sugar that makes up about 2-8% of the composition of milk. When lactose enters the body, it is broken down by the lactase enzyme on the surface of intestinal cells into glucose and galactose. These simple sugars are then absorbed in the small intestine and converted into energy and essential nutrients for the body.

Lactose is essential as it provides 40% of the body’s energy and is the primary source of energy stored in the liver. It also supports the effective absorption of calcium and iron, promoting a healthy digestive system and reducing digestive disorders, diarrhea, or constipation in children.

ColosBaby IQ Gold 0+ Formula Milk (colostrum) vanilla flavor 800g (0 – 12 months)

The Role of Lactose in the Body

Provides Energy for the Body

The glucose and galactose produced during lactose metabolism provide a significant energy source for the body and serve as an energy reserve for the child’s brain.

Moreover, this metabolic process is relatively faster than other sugars due to the activation of natural enzymes in the baby’s intestinal tract, meeting the energy demands during the child’s development.

Supports a Healthy Digestive System

When lactose is ingested, enzymes in the intestinal villi are secreted and convert it into simple sugars that the body can absorb, supporting the formation of beneficial bacteria in the child’s digestive system. This is why lactose stimulates the baby’s digestive system to function efficiently.

Furthermore, this natural sugar also contributes to the growth of bifidobacteria, a beneficial bacteria in the gut. Lactose also has the potential to combat the age-related decline of immune functions.

Nutifood GrowPLUS+ Gold Formula Milk (colostrum) vanilla flavor 800g (from 1 year old)

Contributes to Brain and Nervous System Development

Galactose is a component of macromolecules (gangliosides, cerebrosides, and mucoproteins), which are essential components of the central nervous system, specifically nerve cell membranes.

After being metabolized from lactose, galactose participates in brain tissue formation, providing energy reserves for the brain and promoting healthy brain development in babies.

Supports Strong Bone Development

Lactose helps the child’s body increase its absorption of calcium and phosphorus, two minerals crucial for bone formation and resorption. Calcium contributes to strong bones and influences a child’s height in adulthood, while phosphorus enhances calcium absorption.

Meiji Infant Formula Milk 800g (0 – 12 months)

Which Foods Contain Lactose?

Lactose is naturally abundant in milk and dairy products such as breast milk, formula, fresh milk, ready-to-drink formula, cheese, yogurt, etc.

Formula milk, in particular, is supplemented with appropriate and balanced lactose levels for babies at different developmental stages, making it a reliable source of lactose that parents can monitor and adjust.

Seoul Milk Step Organic Low-Salt Cheese No. 1 180g pack (10 slices)

Conditions Related to Lactose

Lactose Maldigestion

Lactose maldigestion is the difficulty in digesting lactose. Reduced lactase enzyme activity is considered the cause of this condition. This enzyme converts lactose into glucose and galactose, the simple sugars that provide energy to the body.

Lactose maldigestion usually appears after weaning, when lactase activity naturally begins to decline. In most people, it causes very few or no noticeable symptoms.

Experts recommend consuming small amounts of lactose (up to 24g/day divided into two servings) for those with this condition. Yogurt, which contains probiotics that aid in lactose digestion, or low/no-lactose cheese can be consumed.

Pack of 4 TH true YOGURT Low-Sugar Yogurt 100g (from 1 year old)

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest and absorb lactose. Excess lactose ferments in the digestive system and converts into lactic acid.

This acid negatively impacts the digestive system and nutrient absorption in children. Even small amounts of lactose can cause bloating, abdominal rumbling, poor appetite, and fussiness.

This is also a common reason for diarrhea in children after consuming milk. Symptoms include acidic stools and diaper rash. Prolonged lactose intolerance can affect a child’s overall health and immune system.

Similac Total Comfort Formula Milk No. 1 360g (0 – 12 months) for lactose intolerant babies

The Difference Between the Two Conditions

Lactose maldigestion and lactose intolerance are different. Both conditions involve only partial digestion of lactose, with the remainder passing into the colon.

In some cases, the bacterial fermentation of undigested lactose in the colon leads to symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and gas. These symptoms are considered lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance only occurs in a small percentage of people, while lactose maldigestion affects approximately 70-75% of the world’s population.

Enfamil A+ LactoFree Care Formula Milk 400g (0 – 12 months) for lactose intolerant babies

Notes on Supplementing Lactose for Children

Lactose is beneficial for a child’s immune system and overall development. However, parents need to consider appropriate and safe supplementation based on their child’s condition.

Lactose Intolerant Babies:

• Use supplemental nutrients: Choose low-lactose or lactose-free formula milk and ensure adequate intake of glucose and galactose.
• Increase breast milk consumption: Breast milk contains balanced lactose levels that can be hydrolyzed without enzymes, preventing excess lactose in the gut.
• Introduce milk gradually: Gradually introduce milk to increase tolerance, but consult with experts before attempting this.

Lactose Tolerant Babies: In this case, you can safely supplement lactose from various sources to meet the child’s needs. However, avoid excessive intake, which can lead to lactose overload.

NAN Expert Pro Lactose Free Formula Milk 380g (0 – 3 years)

Lactose is crucial for a child’s overall development. We hope this information helps you understand how to supplement lactose appropriately for your child. If you have any questions, please call our hotline 1900.866.874 (8:00 – 21:30) for guidance and advice.