Why Use Non-Lactose Baby Formula?

Feeding a baby formula can be tricky. That's one reason why breast is best! There are many different types and brands of formula to choose from, and it's hard to know which one is best for your baby. In fact, it's generally recommended that you ask your doctor's advice on which formula to use.

One type of specialty formula is non-lactose or lactose-free formula. Non-lactose formulas include both cows' milk formula with the lactose sugar removed and soy formulas, which contain neither cows' milk nor lactose.

Lactose-free formulas are intended for babies who have lactose intolerance, meaning that their digestive systems cannot process the lactose sugar because they lack the enzyme lactase. However, according to Kaiser Permanente, true lactose intolerance/lactase deficiency is rare in infants and most commonly develops in teenagers and adults. It's also more common among people of Native American, Asian, African and South American descent; only about 15% of Caucasian people have lactose intolerance.

Why is lactose-intolerance rare in infants? Dr. Alan Greene, a pediatrician, explains that human breastmilk contains lactose, too, and breastmilk is naturally intended to be compatible with a baby's digestive system. Normal, full-term babies, in general, do have the lactase enzyme available to help digest breastmilk. Premature babies, however, are more susceptible to lactose-intolerance, but will usually grow out of it.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance in infants may include excessive gas and bloating, abdominal pain, severe foamy diarrhea, a red, burn-like rash around the anus, vomiting, dehydration, weakness, irritability and slow weight gain.

Pediatrician and author Dr. William Sears cautions that a little extra fussiness and irritability does not necessarily mean your baby needs a lactose-free formula. Many parents (and even doctors) will blame formula for fussiness, and keep switching formulas to find one that works. Do be sure to consult a doctor to properly diagnose lactose intolerance and choose the right formula.

Soy formulas are often used in place of lactose-free formula. Soy formula contains no cows' milk, and therefore no lactose. Soy formula is also widely available in grocery stores. However, the same caution applies. You should only use soy formula on your doctor's recommendation. Also, some babies who cannot tolerate cows' milk will also have trouble with soy.

Dr. Sears says that lactose-free formula may also be used if a baby is recovering from a severe, diarrhea-causing illness. The baby may have a temporary lactase-deficiency if the intestinal lining has been damaged. Again, check with your doctor first to find out if this is appropriate.

Sources:

Monica Rhodes, "Lactose Intolerance", KaiserPermanente.org.

Dr. Alan Greene, "Lactose-Free Milk", DrGreene.com.

Dr. William Sears, "Bottle-Feeding", AskDrSears.com.