Lactose Overload

When breastfeeding, one of the causes of gastro-intestinal discomfort for babies could be lactose overload.

Lactose overload is frequently misdiagnosed as lactose intolerance. Both conditions display identical gastric symptoms. However, unlike lactose intolerance, where a baby fails to gain weight (or loses weight) and is very unwell, a baby with lactose overload is healthy and thriving.

With lactose overload, a baby produces sufficient quantities of lactase to break down enough lactose.

However it does not produce enough lactase in time to digest all the lactose in feedings. This is often due to the fact that the breast milk contains disproportionate amounts of foremilk to hind milk. This creates a ‘backlog’ of lactose which results in symptoms similar to lactose intolerance.

Breast feeding technique is important to prevent lactose overload. The extra fat in hind milk slows down the digestion of the breast milk giving the baby’s intestine time to break down the lactose in the milk.

Too much foremilk (swopping breasts frequently) can result in an overload of partially digested milk in the intestine. Consult a lactation specialist for more advice.

In the meantime, Lactaze Drops or Tablets will assist in alleviating the symptoms of lactose overload but it is advised to always seek professional advice.

Symptoms of lactose overload >>