Helping 3+ Kids With Possible Lactose Intolerance

If your child often complains of a tummy ache after drinking milk, you may be dealing with a 'maselang tiyan' (sensitive tummy). The good news is the issue is likely lactose intolerance, which has a simple solution.

What's Happening in the Gut?

Lactose intolerance simply means your child's gut has a hard time digesting lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. It is a digestive issue, not a threat to your child's health. Symptoms are usually mild and appear 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking dairy.

Look out for these common, temporary signs after milk or dairy intake:

• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Bloating and gassiness
• Loose stools or diarrhea

When milk time brings discomfort, kids may avoid drinking it. That can make it harder to get nutrients for growth, so a gentler approach helps ensure they get the nutrients needed to stay Laban-Ready.

Lactose Intolerance versus a Milk Allergy

It's important for parents to know the difference because recognizing these differences prevents unnecessary dietary restrictions and costly formula changes (Al-Beltagi, 2022):

• Lactose intolerance is a problem digesting milk sugars. It only causes gas and tummy discomfort. These symptoms often get better as the lactose passes through, and as you change what kind of milk your child drinks and when they drink it.
• On the other hand, a Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy is a serious immune reaction. Gut discomforts may be similar but there are other signs to watch out for like hives, wheezing, vomiting, or blood or mucus in stools.

Remember Mommy! Consult with your healthcare provider first to rule out a milk allergy and confirm if simple lactose sensitivity is the issue.

Finding a solution that provides GUT Laban for sensitive tummies

If your pediatrician confirms likely lactose intolerance, the good news is you do not have to remove dairy from their diet entirely. Many children feel better when lactose is reduced, not completely removed.

• Begin with low-lactose milk. Serve with meals and in smaller portions for a couple of weeks while you observe. Studies show that low-lactose formulas help babies recover faster from mild diarrhea and support healthy weight gain. They’re easier on the tummy while still giving all the important nutrients for growth.
  
   
• Keep the rest of the menu gentle (for now). While the tummy settles, avoid other dairy (cheese, yogurt, ice cream). Choose easy foods like rice, bananas, eggs, broth, and soft soups. Offer water or oral rehydration solution (ORS) in small, frequent sips.
  
   
• Boost Your Child's GUT Laban. NGive probiotics (L. reuteri), Zinc, Vitamins A & D, and Selenium to add good bacteria, support the gut lining and immunity, and help ease gas, bloating, and stool discomfort. The Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) recommends probiotics like L. reuteri to help manage and prevent diarrhea in children.

Introducing the NEW Bonakid Pre-School^® 3+ Low Lactose

When your healthcare provider recommends a low-lactose diet, Bonakid Pre-School® 3+ Low Lactose is a supportive, easy choice for kids 3+, helping you keep milk and its nutrition in the diet while providing gut laban to sensitive tummies.

It’s designed for easier digestion with low lactose plus TUMMILABAN FORMULA with proven & tested probiotics (L. reuteri) and Zinc to help empower your child’s gut health.

It also contains key nutrients like Vitamin A, D and Selenium to support everyday gut wellness. All this GUT Laban sa maselang tiyan for only P490 (suggested retail price) or P41 per glass! 

With Bonakid Pre-School® 3+ Low Lactose, you are giving your 3+ kid GUT Laban sa maselang tiyan para Laban-ready pa rin sa paglaki!