Children as young as 2, and as old as 18, may develop symptoms related to lactose intolerance. Depending on the amount of lactose ingested, the symptoms could range from nausea, cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, which could begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking.

Lactose intolerance is not a food allergy which is an immune response; instead lactose intolerance is the inability of the body to digest lactose.
The enzyme lactase is responsible for breaking down the lactose or milk sugars into simpler sugars that the bloodstream can then absorb; in lactose intolerance the body does not secrete enough of this enzyme. A child will have considerable discomfort when the body is not producing enough lactase to break down the milk sugars.

Some causes of lactose intolerance is known, such as injuries to the small intestine which can greatly decrease the amount of lactase being produced and in very rare cases, children born who do not have the ability to produce the lactase.

While most doctors recommend that children under the age of 6 months not be fed any lactose at all, they do not recommend a restricted lactose diet after the age of 1 year. Instead they recommend allowing small quantities of lactose products as long as the child tolerates them well. If the discomfort continues to arise, there are alternatives the child may eat or drink to obtain the calcium and vitamin D they need that are associated with lactose food and drink.

Fortified orange juice, for an example, can be a great source of calcium. Also rich in calcium are broccoli, turnip greens, spinach and romaine lettuce. You can also ask your doctor about calcium supplements for your child. As for the vitamin D, a multi-vitamin supplement may be prescribed by the doctor, or eating fish, tofu, molasses or drinking carrot juice can be a good way to get the daily nutritional allowance.

Children that are diagnosed for lactose intolerance will not necessarily be unhealthy or have dense bones. There are many things that your child can eat, drink, or take that will enable them to be healthy and have good bone growth. The best thing for your child if you suspect lactose intolerance, is to get in touch with their pediatrician, they will know the best course of action.