Children and digestive enzymes: start with an assessment

When a child has symptoms after food, finding the reason comes before choosing a supplement. Children’s products and directions can vary by age and formulation, so there is no single answer that applies to the entire Intoleran range.

First establish what the symptoms mean

Food allergy and food intolerance can be confused because both may involve digestive symptoms. They are different conditions, however, and require different management. Cow’s milk allergy involves a reaction to milk protein; lactose intolerance concerns digestion of milk sugar. Lactase does not make dairy suitable for a child with cow’s milk allergy.

Discuss recurring symptoms with your child’s GP or paediatrician. A dietitian can help with food choices when a dietary change is needed. For background, see our allergy and intolerance explanation and ASCIA’s guidance on cow’s milk allergy.

Check the age guidance for the actual pack

Do not assume that an age recommendation for one Intoleran product applies to another. Different products can contain different enzymes, additional ingredients or different strengths. A child’s ability to swallow a tablet or capsule is another practical consideration.

The original article discussed Once a Day and Cozidase separately because they are not interchangeable with a simple lactase product. Check the current Australian label and ask a pharmacist or the child’s clinician about the exact product and age. Do not calculate a child’s dose by reducing an adult dose yourself.

Consider the format as well as the ingredients

Intoleran products come in different formats, including tablets, capsules and drops. Some formats are taken around a meal; lactase drops may be used in food preparation according to their directions. Preparing a food and giving a supplement directly are different uses.

Whether a capsule may be opened, or a product mixed with food or drink, depends on that formulation. Check before changing how it is given. The food’s temperature, acidity and preparation time may matter to an enzyme product, so follow the relevant instructions rather than a method described for another format.

Infants need their own feeding advice

Advice for an older child should not be applied to a baby. Before adding any supplement to breastmilk, formula or an infant’s feed, seek advice from the healthcare professional overseeing their care. Persistent crying or unsettled feeding should not be assumed to mean lactose intolerance.

Keep the child’s broader diet in view

Removing several foods at once can make it difficult to understand which change helped and to maintain variety. Record the foods, portions, symptoms and timing to discuss at an appointment. An enzyme supplement is not a diagnostic test and should not replace assessment or a suitable eating plan.

Bring the product label, the child’s age and a list of any medicines or supplements to your pharmacist or clinician. Our Australian team can help locate current product information for that discussion.

Further background from the original article: UC Davis on childhood food allergy and Intoleran’s international IBS and intolerance article. International articles do not replace Australian product directions or individual clinical advice.