If you are the parent of a lactose-intolerant baby, explain in chemical terms...?

Question

If you are the parent of a lactose intolerant baby, describe why, in chemical terms, why you would have to carefully identify the substances in a can of baby formula before you feed it to your baby?

Answer 1

Lactose is a double sugar in which a molecule of the simple sugar galactose is covalently bonded to a molecule of glucose. During digestion, an enzyme cleaves the bond between the two sugars. Glucose and galactose are absorbed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. Lactose is not absorbed. If lactose remains in the intestine, it creates an osmotic pressure that draws water into the intestine, causing diarrhea. Bacteria in the intestine ferment the lactose, producing gas. Gas pressure builds up in parts of the intestine, causing cramps.

Enzyme pills are available that can be taken before a dairy product. Lactose-free milk is commercially available in varying fat contents. One should buy the 100% lactose reduced milk rather than the 70% lactose reduced that is also available.

Answer 2

Lactose intolerant means that the baby can not digest lactose. Lactose is milk sugar. It is digested with an enzyme lactase into 2 simpler sugars. -glucose and galactose.

It means that the baby needs to be on soy formula until the pediatrician changes it.

On a label you would look for milk as an ingredient. Some people that are lactose intolerant can digest yogurt or other fermented milk products after bacteria have broken down the lactose in them.

The first answerer, Steve, has explained what happens to cause discomfort in the baby. Yes you can get lactase pills and lactose free milk.