Lactose is the scientific name for the sugar found naturally in the milk of mammals. Unfortunately, some humans are lactose intolerant, meaning when they consume milk, they experience bloating, gas, diarrhea and stomach pain. This is because the lactase enzyme, which is responsible for breaking down the lactose in our bodies, is not working properly.
And children are no exemption. Symptoms in babies may include an itchy rash, stomach ache, cramping, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. If your little one is lactose intolerant, you might need to use a lactose-free formula.
Continue reading to find out the reasons for and advantages of using lactose-free milk.
Better Digestion With The Same Nutritional Profile As Cow’s Milk
A lactose-free formula is easier to digest. This is because it is made from cow’s milk, which has been refined and treated to remove the lactose and replace it with another carbohydrate. Alternatively, some manufacturers do not remove the lactose but add the lactase enzyme during processing. This will help your baby’s digestive system to break down the lactose. With a lactose-free formula, your baby will still get all the nutrients of cow’s milk without having to go through the discomfort associated with lactose intolerance.
Added Vitamins And Minerals
Lactose-free formula contains important vitamins and minerals that your baby needs, for example, Vitamin A, Calcium, Vitamin D, Cobalamin (Vitamin B12), Vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin B6, and Magnesium.
Vitamin A plays a role in heart health, brain function, skin, lungs, kidneys, vision, and immune system health. Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth. Muscles and nerves also need calcium to function properly but without Vitamin D, calcium cannot be absorbed by the body. Vitamin D also reduces depression and helps the body to fight diseases.
Vitamin B12 is needed to do some very crucial things in the body. Babies need this vitamin for normal function of the brain and nervous system, formulating red blood cells and energy production in the body.
Vitamin C aids in many biological functions, for example, the healing of wounds and the repair and maintenance of teeth, bones, and cartilage. Your baby needs the iron to fight anemia and to boost his/her immune system. The Vitamin B6 helps to deliver oxygen to all the cells in the body because it plays a role in hemoglobin production.
The magnesium in the formula will aid your baby’s bone health, calcium absorption, even helping to relieve anxiety.
It Tastes Sweeter
This formula may taste a little sweeter for your baby than ordinary formula due to the lactose removal process and we know that all babies like a sweet taste. Make sure to read the ingredients carefully because some manufacturers add artificial sweeteners to their formula which is not necessary. It’s better to source one without these.
Soy-Based Infant Formula
Soy protein infant formula is plant-based and produced from soybeans which are naturally lactose-free. Like the cow’s milk formula, the soy is modified for use in formula. It includes the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients as does the cow milk version. Some experts swear by it, and others are concerned that it lacks some important compounds like amino acids. If your baby is allergy-prone, he/she might fare better with a special hypoallergenic formula.
It’s Your Choice
You as the parent know what’s best for your baby. Do your own research and when you have all the information on the different options, you will be able to make an informed decision. And if you think about, it’s all about your baby and what your baby needs. Just to be safe, always be sure to discuss any major changes you make regarding your baby with your obstetrician. They’ve had years of experience and he/she is there to help you.
