Can lactose intolerant babies drink breast milk?
By
Dr Daniel Vazquez Maldonado (PhD)
| Reviewed by
Dr Anny Manrich (PhD)
The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.
Author bio
Dr Daniel Vazquez Maldonado, PhD(c), is a nutritionist with a postgraduate degree in pharmaco-biological sciences, with expertise in gut microbiota, probiotics, prebiotics, and molecular and human nutrition.
Dr Daniel Vazquez Maldonado Highlights:
- He has taken different courses at the National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico, which has allowed him to strengthen his knowledge in research and genomic sciences.
- PhD(c) in pharmaco-biological sciences, working on developing a functional food with probiotics/prebiotics, and evaluating its anti-inflammatory effect at Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi.
- Master’s degree in pharmaco-biological sciences, focused on obtaining prebiotics from regional plants such as agave and studying its effect on body composition and gut microbiota at Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi.
- Bachelor´s degree in Nutrition, graduated by thesis, focused on developing fortified foods with amaranth and evaluating its physicochemical and nutritional properties, at Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi.
“Don’t be scared when you hear that we are surrounded by bacteria or microorganisms and that they even live in our bodies, science has shown that there are more good ones than bad ones, probably just like people around the world. -Dr. Daniel Vazquez Maldonado
Professional experience
Along with his postgraduate studies, Dr. Daniel Vazquez Maldonado has taken several courses on Nutritional Care Process, and worked as a nutritionist in private practice, since the completion of his undergraduate studies, to date.
As a result of his research work and actual trajectory, Dr Daniel Vazquez Maldonado is part of the State System of Researchers of San Luis Potosi and has participated as a reviewer in online courses for scientific presentations and evaluating projects in national science events.
He has also worked as a professor at two universities, contributing to the learning of future nutritionists and chemists, by giving courses related to his academic background in research, nutrition, and probiotics.
Dr Daniel Vazquez Maldonado has also participated as an evaluator of the course “Drug-Nutrient Interaction” for the bachelor’s degree in nutrition at the Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi.
Dr. Daniel Vazquez Maldonado has presented his research on probiotics and prebiotics, at national and international congresses.
Education:
-2015 Bachelor in Nutrition at Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi.
-2018 Master´s degree in Pharmacobiological Sciences at Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi.
-2023 PhD candidate in Pharmacobilogical Sciences at Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi
The main publications of Dr Daniel Vazquez Maldonado are:
López Padilla C, Vázquez-Maldonado D, Gallegos Martínez J, Algara-Suárez P, Ornelaz-Paz J de J, Reyes Hernández J. Evaluation of thermogravimetric, textural and viscoelastic properties in ternary system of amaranth, wheat and whole wheat. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization. 2022 Jun 1;16(3):2144–53.
Martinez-Martinez MU, Vázquez-Maldonado D, Ratering S, Godínez-Hernández C, Ortiz-Basurto RI, Soria-Guerra RE, et al. Fructans from Agave enhance probiotic yoghurt by modulating gut microbiota on children with overweight or obesity. Food Biosci. 2022 Apr 1;46:101516.
Vázquez-Maldonado D, Espinosa-Solis V, Leyva-Porras C, Aguirre-Bañuelos P, Martinez-Gutierrez F, Román-Aguirre M, et al. Preparation of spray-dried functional food: Effect of adding Bacillus clausii bacteria as a co-microencapsulating agent on the conservation of resveratrol. Processes. 2020 Jul 1;8(7):849.
Conference Papers:
M.Sc. Daniel Vázquez-Maldonado , M.C. Macrina Beatriz Silva-Cázares , PhD. Isaac Compéan-Martínez , PhD.José Pérez-Urizar , PhD. María Z. Saavedra-Leos . Characterization of a spray dried microencapsulated powder containing bacillus clausii and resveratrol as co-encapsulating agents. In: International Research Congress, Academia Journals Hidalgo 2020
Vázquez-Maldonado D ,Soria-Guerra R ,González-Acevedo O ,Vega-Cárdenas M ,- Godínez-Hernández C ,Ratering-. S ,Schnell-. S ,Schneider-. B ,Juárez-Flores B ,Portales-Pérez D ,Martínez-Gutiérrez F, Synbiotics with activity on gut microbiota affect indicators of cardiometabolic risk in schoolchildren. In: National Congress of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology XLIII, (2018). (Mérida, Yucatán).
You can view some of Dr Daniels’s work below and links to his professional profiles:
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Daniel-Vazquez-32
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-v%C3%A1zquez-16b92a204/
WebofScience: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/GYD-9090-2022
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4302-9116
Reviewer bio
Dr Anny Manrich PhD is a food Engineer with expertise in Food Technology, Natural Polymers, Edible Films, Enzymes, and Nanotechnology. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Anny Manrich’s Highlights:
- Research and Technology at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation
- PhD in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Biochemistry at the Federal University of Sao Carlos/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
- Bachelor of Food Engineering at the University of Campinas/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
“To solve a problem, global vision and multifactorial understanding are necessary. Therefore, in addition to expertise, one should seek multidisciplinary thinking connected with science and reality” – Dr Anny Manrich, PhD.
Professional Experience:
Dr Anny Manrich’s Experience Joining the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, as soon as she completed her doctorate,
Dr Anny Manrich has worked on several projects, including the more than three-year partnership project with BRF, a major food producer in Brazil. As a postdoctoral fellow.
Dr Anny Manrich has also contributed to several business consultancies and research projects of the National Nanotechnology Laboratory System in areas such as food technology, fibres, films and coatings and Nanotechnology; in a very determined way, having a great team relationship, being creative and committed.
Growing concerns about the safe introduction of nanomaterials into today’s life emphasises the need to create regulatory documentation in front of characterising, using and testing them. Dr Anny Manrich worked for two years on a characterization project for nanoscale materials, with the aim of exploring their possible health effects.
Despite not having specific academic training in packaging or polymeric films, Dr Anny Manrich works at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation in areas of edible and biodegradable films produced from agricultural waste and in the development of films with greater resistance to water, having articles published in renowned scientific journals, which demonstrates her multidisciplinary understanding and creativity.
In addition, she worked for four years as a consultant to a food company to develop a line of snacks that are healthy and that add functional ingredients, physiologically active compounds that bring health benefits, made from fruits and vegetables, enabling diet improvement, disease prevention and reduction of nutritional deficiencies.
Dr Anny Manrich participated as a member of the examination board for two Master’s exams and one PhD exam at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Federal University of São Carlos.
Education:
- 2001 Bachelor in Food Engineering at the State University of Campinas, Brazil
- 1999 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
- 2004 Master in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2012 PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2010 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
The main publications of Dr. Anny Manrich are:
Articles
Manrich, A., Moreira, F. K., Otoni, C. G., Lorevice, M. V., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. (2017). Hydrophobic edible films made up of tomato cutin and pectin. Carbohydrate Polymers, 164, 83-91.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H. A., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Correlating emulsion characteristics with the properties of active starch films loaded with lemongrass essential oil. Food Hydrocolloids, 100, 105428.
Norcino, L. B., Mendes, J. F., Natarelli, C. V. L., Manrich, A., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Pectin films loaded with copaiba oil nanoemulsions for potential use as bio-based active packaging. Food Hydrocolloids, 106, 105862.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization of trypsin on chitosan gels: Use of different activation protocols and comparison with other supports. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 43.1 (2008): 54-61.
Manrich, Anny; Komesu, Andrea ; Adriano, Wellington Sabino; Tardioli, Paulo Waldir ; Giordano, Raquel Lima Camargo . Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by Multipoint Covalent Attachment on Agarose and on Chitosan Supports. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, v. 161, p. 455-467, 2010.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Neto, A. S., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Mattoso, L. H. C., & Martins, M. A. (2019). Development and physical-chemical properties of pectin film reinforced with spent coffee grounds by continuous casting. Carbohydrate polymers, 210, 92-99..
Milessi, T. S., Kopp, W., Rojas, M. J., Manrich, A., Baptista-Neto, A., Tardioli, P. W., … & Giordano, R. L. (2016). Immobilization and stabilization of an endoxylanase from Bacillus subtilis (XynA) for xylooligosaccharides (XOs) production. Catalysis Today, 259, 130-139.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Manrich, A., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Development, physical‐chemical properties, and photodegradation of pectin film reinforced with malt bagasse fibers by continuous casting. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(39), 49178.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Luchesi, B. R., Dantas, A. P. S., Vanderlei, R. M., … & Martins, M. A. (2021). Thermo-physical and mechanical characteristics of composites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) e spent coffee grounds (SCG). Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 29, 2888-2900..
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Development of quaternary nanocomposites made up of cassava starch, cocoa butter, lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion, and brewery spent grain fibers. Journal of Food Science, 86(5), 1979-1996.
Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Manufacture and performance of peanut skin cellulose nanocrystals. Scientia Agricola, 79.
Nascimento, V. M., Manrich, A., Tardioli, P. W., de Campos Giordano, R., de Moraes Rocha, G. J., & Giordano, R. D. L. C. (2016). Alkaline pretreatment for practicable production of ethanol and xylooligosaccharides. Bioethanol, 2(1)..
Manrich, Anny, de Oliveira, J. E., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization of the Spirulina platensis. J. Agric. Sci. Technol. B, v. 10, p. 298-307, 2020.
Book Chapter
Terra, I. A. A., Aoki, P. H., Delezuk, J. A. D. M., Martins, M. A., Manrich, A., Silva, M. J., … & Miranda, P. B. (2022). Técnicas de Caracterização de Polímeros. Nanotecnologia Aplicada a Polímeros, 614.
Conference Papers
Ferreira, L. F., Luvizaro, L. B., Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., Júnior, M. G., & Dias, M. V. (2017). Comparação da estabilidade de suspensões poliméricas de amido/tocoferol e quitosana/tocoferol. In: CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE POLÍMEROS, 14., 2017, Águas de Lindóia, SP.
Manrich, A., Hubinger, S. Z., & Paris, E. C. (2017). Citotoxicidade causada por nanomateriais: avaliação do micronúcleo. In: WORKSHOP DA REDE DE NANOTECNOLOGIA APLICADA AO AGRONEGÓCIO, 9., 2017, São Carlos. Anais… São Carlos: Embrapa Instrumentação, 2017. p. 655-658.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by multipoint covalent attachment on Glyoxyl Agarose Support. The 31st Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2009.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Application of immobilized xylanase on hydrolysis of soluble wood hemicelluloses after using microwave and organosolv pre-treatments. The 32nd Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2010.
You can view some of Dr Anny’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anny-Manrich-2
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=23103497100
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Ea9qpr0AAAAJ
Linkedin: https://br.linkedin.com/in/anny-manrich-20693129
In this article, we will answer the question, “Can lactose intolerant babies drink breast milk?” and clarify the most common doubts about lactose consumption by lactose intolerant babies.
Can lactose-intolerant babies drink breast milk?
Yes, lactose intolerant babies can drink breast milk in most cases, it only must be avoided if it’s congenital (due to genetic factors) if your baby has a major intestinal disease, or if an inability to digest galactose (galactosemia) (1).
Lactose has many important biological functions, such as contributing to milk production, protecting against diseases by stimulating the immune system, and helping in the modulation of the babies’ gut microbiota (2).
Does breast milk contain lactose?
Yes, breast milk contains lactose, it’s the main carbohydrate present in breast milk, and is an important component of more complex carbohydrates like human milk oligosaccharides, that contribute to babies’ health (2).
Lactose in breast milk also represents a relevant source of energy, along with lipids, so for the ideal growth of babies, lactose is present, and breast milk shouldn’t be avoided unless lactose strongly compromises your baby’s health (confirmed by a healthcare professional).
Is lactose safe for lactose intolerant babies?
Yes, lactose is safe for the majority of lactose intolerant babies, but remember that it all depends on the presence and severity of symptoms, even minor diarrhea doesn’t overcome the benefits of breast milk (3).
Lactose intolerance in babies, also requires an adequate diagnosis, the consumption of breast milk and the presence of diarrhea doesn’t mean avoiding immediate breast milk because of lactose, to the contrary, if you avoid breast milk, symptoms may worsen (2).
Remember to get professional health care advice if you aren’t sure if your baby is lactose intolerant, and to avoid the misconception that lactose is harmful to health, babies need lactose from breast milk to grow healthy(3).
Why are babies lactose intolerant?
Babies may be lactose intolerant because of genetic predisposition, but it represents very few cases, also intestinal diseases may cause lactose intolerance, but this may be reversible with adequate treatment in most cases (3).
If you are wondering if your baby is lactose intolerant, it is a legitimate concern, lactose intolerance around the world is about 65%, but most of it starts once we consume different food rather than milk (4).
Remember that lactose intolerance always needs a confirmed diagnosis, most babies produce an adequate amount of lactase, so lactose may be well tolerated, so make sure to visit a healthcare professional, to dispel doubts.
Is there better milk for lactose intolerant babies?
Yes, the best milk for most lactose intolerant babies is breast milk, the majority of babies when born produce adequate amounts of lactase ( the enzyme required to metabolize lactose) (3), and the health outcomes overcome its avoidance.
But, If your baby has a confirmed diagnosis of lactose intolerance and the symptoms are severe, then you may find free lactose formulas but remember to use them only with a confirmed diagnosis and that lactose compromises your baby’s health.
You may also find plant-based formulas “free of lactose”, but those are not recommended, they don’t have adequate nutritional properties, in addition to the lack of bioactive components typical in breast milk (2).
Is there a way to reduce lactose in breast milk?
No, there’s no way to reduce lactose in breast milk, remember that lactose is an important nutrient in breast milk, inherent and necessary, it’s produced by all mammals and present in their milk (5).
Also, the consumption of lactose by the mother has no direct association with the lactose content in breast milk, indeed with more milk production more lactose has been found in breast milk (6).
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question, “Can lactose intolerant babies drink breast milk?” and clarified the most common doubts about lactose consumption by lactose intolerant babies.
References
1. Castellano VE, Giglio ND, Pacchiotti AC, Gentile Á. Lactose intolerance: myths and facts. An update. Arch Argent Pediatr [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2023 Jun 18];120(1):46–53.
2. Zhang S, Li T, Xie J, Zhang D, Pi C, Zhou L, et al. Gold standard for nutrition: a review of human milk oligosaccharide and its effects on infant gut microbiota. Microbial Cell Factories 2021 20:1 [Internet]. 2021 May 28 [cited 2023 Jun 19];20(1):1–16.
3. DI Costanzo M, Berni Canani R. Lactose Intolerance: Common Misunderstandings. Ann Nutr Metab [Internet]. 2019 Feb 19 [cited 2023 Jun 19];73(Suppl. 4):30–7.
4. Catanzaro R, Sciuto M, Marotta F. Lactose intolerance: An update on its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Nutrition Research. 2021 May 1;89:23–34.
5. Santos GJ, Rocha R, Santana GO. Lactose intolerance: what is a correct management? Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) [Internet]. 2019 Feb 1 [cited 2023 Jun 18];65(2):270–5.
6. Ballard O, Morrow AL. Human Milk Composition: Nutrients and Bioactive Factors. Pediatr Clin North Am [Internet]. 2013 Feb [cited 2023 Jun 18];60(1):49.
