Treatment of Lactose Intolerance in Newborns with Primary Lactase Deficiency
Primary lactase deficiency is a rare congenital condition in which a newborn or infant is born with a deficiency or complete absence of the enzyme lactase. This is distinct from common adult-onset lactose intolerance and requires a specific dietary approach from the very beginning of life.
Newborn or infant with primary lactase deficiency — a congenital deficiency or absence of lactase present from birth. The condition is inherited: the infant receives one causative gene from each parent, even when both parents are themselves lactose tolerant.
Management involves substituting standard infant formula with a specialized alternative formulated around a different carbohydrate source that the infant is able to digest. The full regimen, selection criteria, and clinical guidance are available in the complete protocol.
References
- Primary Lactase Deficiency: This condition is very rare and occurs when babies are born with a deficiency or absence of the enzyme lactase.
- Babies inherit this condition by getting one gene that causes this problem from each of their parents, even though both parents may be lactose tolerant.
- These babies require a specialized formula with another type of sugar such as sucrose (present in table sugar), which they can digest.