Can the Probiotic Supplement help lactose intolerant children?
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not produce the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the sugar lactose (milk sugar), or when the maturing small intestine in an infant or child cannot produce a sufficient level of lactase needed to digest the amount of lactose consumed. When the body is not able to handle the amount of lactose consumed, bloating, gassiness, and a very fussy child results. The research on use of probiotics for lactose intolerance individuals has shown mixed results. Some people benefit from the use of probiotics while others do not. The reasons for this are unknown and continue to be the focus of ongoing research. For those whom probiotics help, it is thought that the probiotics themselves digest lactose, thus reducing the symptoms of lactose intolerance. The suggestion has been made that healthcare professionals counsel lactose intolerant individuals to try probiotics and see if they do help to reduce symptoms.1 1. Levri, K. M., et al, “Do probiotics reduce a
