Breast milk carries lactose, a type of sugar. Here's what to watch out for if you're lactose intolerant, and some helpful tips.
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In breast milk, approximately 7 to 8 grams of lactose are present per 100 milliliters, making it the primary carbohydrate in human milk [1]. This lactose plays a crucial role in supporting infant immunity, nervous system, and brain development.
However, when a baby consumes mainly foremilk, which is higher in lactose and lower in fat, an imbalance of nutrients can occur, leading to a condition known as lactose overload[2]. Symptoms of lactose overload in babies can include:
- Green, frothy stools – a sign of excess lactose in the gut
- Gassiness or colicky behavior – caused by lactose fermentation in the intestines
- Fussiness and discomfort especially during or after feeding [4]
It is essential to note that lactose overload is different from lactose intolerance, a rare condition in newborns where insufficient lactase enzyme causes difficulty digesting lactose [3]. For typical infants, lactose overload may stem from breastfeeding dynamics such as fast milk flow or feeding too frequently [2][4].
To prevent lactose overload, a person breastfeeding can try to empty one breast before switching sides and delay switching if the baby is feeding well and content. This approach ensures that the baby receives a balanced mix of foremilk and hindmilk [5].
If a baby shows signs of discomfort, stops eating, or does not appear to be growing or gaining weight, a caregiver should contact a doctor for further evaluation [6]. Doctors may suggest avoiding breast milk or milk-based formula and using a specialized lactose-free formula if a baby shows symptoms of lactose intolerance or overload [7].
In summary:
| Aspect | Breast Milk Lactose | Lactose Overload Symptoms in Babies | |---------------------------|-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Amount | ~7-8 grams per 100 ml | Green, frothy poop; gassiness; colicky behavior | | Cause | Natural milk carbohydrate | Too much foremilk or rapid milk flow | | Distinct from Lactose Intolerance | Usually well tolerated by infants | Occasional digestive discomfort due to excess lactose fermentation |
This lactose content and associated symptoms highlight why careful feeding management is important to avoid foremilk/hindmilk imbalance leading to lactose overload [1][4]. A doctor can help determine the cause of symptoms and provide advice on reducing them.
References:
[1] American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Breast Milk Composition. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/breastfeeding/breast-milk-composition/
[2] La Leche League International. (2021). Foremilk and Hindmilk: What's the Difference? Retrieved from https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/foremilk-hindmilk/
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lactose intolerance. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lactose-intolerance/symptoms-causes/syc-20369422
[4] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Lactose Intolerance. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance
[5] La Leche League International. (2021). Foremilk and Hindmilk: What's the Difference? Retrieved from https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/foremilk-hindmilk/
[6] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Retrieved from https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/147/Supplement_2/S263
[7] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lactose intolerance in babies. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/lactose-intolerance-in-babies/faq-20058387
- Lactose content in breast milk plays a significant role in infant immunity and brain development.
- Lactose is the primary carbohydrate in human milk, with approximately 7 to 8 grams per 100 milliliters.
- Generally, infants tolerate lactose well, but an imbalance of nutrients called lactose overload can occur when a baby consumes too much foremilk.
- Lactose overload symptoms in babies include green, frothy stools, gassiness, colicky behavior, and fussiness during or after feeding.
- Lactose overload should not be confused with lactose intolerance, a rare condition in newborns caused by insufficient lactase enzyme.
- Lactose overload may result from breastfeeding dynamics such as fast milk flow or feeding too frequently.
- To prevent lactose overload, a person breastfeeding can empty one breast before switching sides and delay switching if the baby is feeding well and content.
- If a baby shows signs of discomfort, stops eating, or does not appear to be growing or gaining weight, it may be necessary to seek medical advice for further evaluation.
- Doctors may suggest switching to a specialized lactose-free formula if a baby shows symptoms of lactose intolerance or overload.
- Understanding the amount of lactose in breast milk and the associated symptoms helps highlight the importance of careful feeding management.
- Careful feeding management can help avoid foremilk/hindmilk imbalance leading to lactose overload.
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