Lactose Intolerance vs. Protein Sensitivity

Lactose intolerance and protein sensitivity are two conditions that affect an infant's ability to digest certain components of breastmilk or formula. While the symptoms of these conditions can be similar, they have different underlying causes and require different approaches to treatment.

Lactose intolerance is a condition where a person is unable to fully digest lactose, a sugar (carbohydrate) found in breastmilk and dairy products. This occurs when the body does not produce enough lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose into simpler sugars that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. This can cause discomfort and symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Lactose intolerance can develop at any age but is more common in adults than in infants. In infants, lactose intolerance is rare and usually temporary.

On the other hand, a protein sensitivity or allergy is a reaction to the proteins found in breastmilk or formulas. This can cause an immune response that triggers symptoms such as hives, vomiting, diarrhea, and even difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis in severe cases.

It's important to note that a protein sensitivity is different from lactose intolerance because it is an immune response rather than a digestive issue.

Protein sensitivity in infants can be caused by an allergic reaction to the proteins in cow-based or soy-based formulas. In some cases, infants may also have an allergic reaction to proteins in their mother’s breastmilk if the mother has consumed foods that the infant is sensitive to. The top offenders are dairy, soy, eggs, corn, and beef. Symptoms of a protein sensitivity can be immediate or delayed and can vary in severity. If an infant has a protein sensitivity, we often see mucous or blood in their bowel movements. Sometimes they begin to lose weight or growth begins to slow due to malabsorption.

For breastfed infants, mothers may need to eliminate certain foods from their diet to prevent the infant from reacting to the proteins in their breast milk. Formula-fed infants with protein sensitivity may need to switch to a hypoallergenic formula, which is specially formulated to be easier to digest and less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

In contrast, infants with lactose intolerance may require a lactose-free formula or a formula with reduced lactose content. But remember In most cases, lactose intolerance in infants is quite rare and often resolves as the infant's digestive system matures.

In conclusion, lactose intolerance and protein sensitivity are two different conditions that can affect an infant's ability to digest breastmilk or formula. Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue caused by a lack of lactase enzyme, while a protein sensitivity is an allergic reaction to the proteins in breastmilk or formula. Breastfed infants with protein sensitivity usually require their mothers to follow an elimination diet or may need to switch to a hypoallergenic formula. It's always important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if your infants’ symptoms are related to a protein sensitivity or some other medical issue.

It can be helpful to work with a Lactation Consultant if your infant has a protein sensitivity to ensure you are given all the correct options and information to ensure your feeding goals are achieved.