Top 5 Alternative Dairy Options For Kids With Lactose Intolerance

Parents must have seen kids surrounding them who cannot drink milk from childhood. But why does this phenomenon happen, and how do these kids attain nutrients if they are allergic to dairy products?

Many people don't know about lactose intolerance because most Indian cuisines include dairy products heavily, making Indians accustomed to lactose. Lactose is a type of sugar in dairy products made with animal milk.

Although most of the Indians are lactose-friendly, there are also a huge amount of people who are lactose intolerant. This group of children cannot digest lactose-induced milk and other dairy products.

Learn about lactose intolerance more deeply with these alternative dairy options.

Understanding Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a genetic factor affecting the body's efficiency to break down lactose sugar. It runs in families from generation to generation. Lactose intolerance is present in kids by birth.

The children's body is inefficient in making lactase enzymes, which are present in the small intestine for breaking lactose in dairy products. In some cases, this condition remains dormant in the body, and symptoms become highly reactive in children over 12.

At the same time, some cases of heavy lactose intolerance in children are highly reactive since birth. It becomes extremely difficult for parents to feed their children milk, which is one of the kids' primary sources of nutrition.

What Happens To Lactose Intolerant Kids When They Consume Dairy Products

Dairy products are already difficult to digest because of their complex elements and the structure of nutrition distribution. Severe lactose intolerance can cause severe damage and inability to digest foreign bodies, making the children extremely sick. The symptoms experienced by lactose intolerant kids after consuming dairy products can include:

1. Abdominal pain: Children may experience cramping or sharp pains in the abdomen.

2. Bloating: The abdomen may feel swollen or distended due to gas buildup.

3. Gas: Excessive gas production in the intestines can lead to flatulence.

4. Diarrhea: This can range from loose stools to more watery bowel movements.

5. Nausea: Some children may feel nauseous or experience an upset stomach after consuming lactose-containing foods.

Top 5 Alternative Dairy Options For Kids With Lactose Intolerance

Now that you know that kids who are lactose intolerant cannot digest lactose present in dairy products facing severe health damage, here are the best five alternatives to dairy products for kids with lactose intolerance for parents to consider. Keep reading!

1. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is obtained from coconut flesh through a rigorous process. It tastes different from traditional milk, but it is lactose-free. Coconut milk has its own set of nutrients that provide children with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), vitamins C, E, and B-complex, and minerals like potassium and magnesium. Coconut milk can be mixed with fruit and vegetable smoothie and a little sugar to create a pleasant tropical taste.

2. Cashew Milk

Cashew milk is extracted from the fruits of cashew plants, which are still not ripe. Cashew milk contains all the healthy fats, protein, vitamins E and K, with minerals like calcium and magnesium, which is pretty similar to the nutritional content of traditional milk. Cashew milk has a bit of an earthy taste, but it can be a good combination with cereals and oatmeal with a little bit of honey.

3. Almond Milk

Almond milk is an extremely popular alternative to traditional milk as it contains lots of Vitamin E, calcium, and Vitamin D if it is fortified. Almond milk can taste good with energy drinks and formula. It can also be used for baking and other purposes because of its buttery taste. Almond milk also has a natural sweetness to it, which kids will love.

4. Soy Milk

Soymilk is extremely high in protein and has lots of calcium and vitamins. Soy milk can be a good ingredient for dairy preparations such as pasta and vegan-friendly options. Soy milk is also lactose-free and is a suitable alternative to traditional milk.

5. Oats Milk

Oat milk tastes like oats with milk as cereal, along with a bit of honey. It is also naturally lactose-free and has a sweet, creamy texture with lots of healthy fats. Because of its texture and denser liquid, oat milk is good for baking sweet pastries and bread. It is high in fiber, vitamins A, D, and B12 if fortified, and has minerals like calcium and iron.

Conclusion

Now that you know the condition of lactose intolerance, and the alternative dairy options for kids to try. Make sure that you provide your children with the correct nutrients and options to enjoy their childhood and grow into healthy adults. Lactose intolerance can be easily tackled with the correct decision and alternative products.