Milk is one of the needs of children and plays an important role in the process of growth and development. This is because milk has a variety of good benefits for the body of your child.
Usually, children get milk intake from exclusive breastfeeding for 2 years. However, certain conditions cause children to only consume formula milk.
In formula milk, you will generally find lactose. Most milk and its derivative products, such as yogurt or cheese also contain lactose, Mom.
So what exactly is lactose? Are there any benefits of lactose for children?
Here Thevolume.net summarizes the benefits of lactose for toddlers accompanied by an explanation of the recommended lactose dose for children.
Lactose and its benefits for children
Lactose, also known as milk sugar, is a carbohydrate found in infant formula. Citing healthychildren, lactose can also be found in other dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese. In addition, some bread, cereals, and frozen or canned foods may contain lactose.
Not without reason, the lactose content in mother’s milk turns out to have many benefits. It plays an important role in the process of child development. Here are some of the benefits of lactose.
1. Source of energy for the little one’s body
As previously explained, lactose is a carbohydrate contained in infant formula so that it can function as an energy source, Mom.
Of course, this is very beneficial for children’s bodies. Given that child who is in a period of growth and development, they will usually actively explore. With enough energy, your child can go through the process of optimal growth and development.
2. Good for the digestive system of the baby
The lactose content in infant formula cannot be digested directly by the child’s intestines. However, this brings benefits to the health of the body.
The undigested lactose will encourage the growth of good bacteria in the intestines. The presence of these good bacteria also plays an important role in fighting unwanted organisms. Children’s digestive system becomes healthier.
3. Help the absorption of important minerals in the body
Because lactose has an important role in a healthier child’s digestive system, the absorption of other nutrients in the body also works more optimally, Mom. For example, it can help absorb iron and calcium, a mineral that your little one needs.
In this case, iron is useful for forming red blood cells or hemoglobin, supporting nerve function, and brain growth in children. While calcium is good for the development and strength of bones so that children’s growth and development run optimally.
Children can be lactose intolerant
The lactose found in a formula does have many benefits for children. However, Mom and papa’s children can be lactose intolerant. A condition in children who cannot digest lactose at all.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance can occur within minutes to hours after drinking milk or consuming dairy products. Symptoms also range from mild to severe based on the amount consumed and the amount the child can tolerate.
Some of the symptoms that you need to be aware of are nausea, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, and diarrhea accompanied by gas.
If your child is lactose intolerant, there are several ways that parents can apply to overcome it. The following is quoted from the MayoClinic page.
- limit consumption of milk and its processed products,
- mix dairy products in small portions (slightly) in the child’s main diet,
- give milk and its processed products that have decreased the amount of lactose, and
- Use a liquid or powder that contains the enzyme lactase in the milk to help your child digest lactose.
Those are some of the benefits of lactose in infant formula. Hopefully, it can be useful for Mom, yes.
