Lactose-free mixtures should be prescribed by a doctor according to indications, because they are a therapeutic option for nutrition. The reason is lactose intolerance or its insufficiency. At the same time, parents notice difficulties in assimilating food, bloating and even a complete refusal of food. A similar condition can be congenital when there are no special bacteria in the intestine, so acquired, that is, a consequence of infectious diseases.
What is a lactose-free mixture?
One component of cow's milk is lactose carbohydrate. Its complete absence is characterized by lactose-free mixtures for newborns. Almost every major manufacturer of baby food has a therapeutic series in its lineup. To quickly find a suitable jar on the shelf, you need to pay attention to the marking “BL”, which means - without lactose. The inscription can also be in Latin letters - LF (lactose free).
Many companies produce lactose-free mixtures for children. The list of the most popular is as follows:
- "NAS";
- Nutrilon
- Nutrilact
- Bellact
- "Celia";
- "Grandmother's basket";
- Humana.
However, there are also products with a reduced lactose content. This must be considered with complete intolerance to this protein. The main representative of this series is "Similak" low-lactose.
Features of lactose-free nutrition
Lactose-free mixtures for newborns do not even contain an admixture of lactose carbohydrate. Allowed content is one tenth of a gram per liter of finished food. Traces of carbohydrate are found in mixtures based on albumin or whey protein. Nutrition on calcium caseinate does not contain it at all.
In the treatment of lactose deficiency, mixtures based on soy isolate, hydrolyzed casein protein, or a mixture of amino acids may be recommended. They are indicated for certain diseases, for example, galactosemia.
The composition of medical nutrition
Lactose-free infant formulas are therapeutic and cannot be selected as the main source of nutrition. They completely lack lactose, but without this carbohydrate, the growth and development of the baby is disrupted. Therefore (along with such a mixture), the baby is prescribed a different diet.
A substitute for lactose can be soy isolate, fructose, sucrose, hydrolyzed protein. Moreover, soy-based mixtures do not contain lactose at all. In other options, you can find its residual trace. Instead, maltodextrin is included in the diet. Animal fat replaces palm oil. For special saturation, such mixtures are enriched with microelements and vitamins.
Indications for appointment
Parents should not independently transfer the baby to lactose-free mixtures. Deficiency symptoms are easily confused with allergies to cow's milk protein. Such a diet is recommended only by the doctor after examining the baby, passing tests and making an accurate diagnosis. At the same time, drugs with the lactase enzyme are mandatory.
Indications for the use of a lactose-free mixture are as follows:
- If the baby has symptoms of lactose deficiency, confirmed by analysis.
- If diagnosed with galactosemia.
For constant use, the treatment mixture is not recommended. It is alternated with conventional adapted nutrition and thereby significantly reduces the content of digestible protein.
Next, we consider the most popular lactose-free mixtures for children. The list is based on feedback from doctors, parents, and consumer demand.
NAN is a popular trusted mix
The lactose-free “NAN” mixture, according to experts in the field of infant nutrition, is very similar in composition to breast milk. Therefore, its use helps the baby grow and develop at a natural pace. Judging by the reviews, such nutrition has a number of significant advantages:
- available in a convenient tin can of 400 g;
- shown not only with lactose deficiency, but with malfunctions of the small intestine;
- after taking the stool, the bloating goes away, and the baby feels good.
- the mixture is completely absorbed;
- nutrition helps to gain weight confidently;
- Recommended age - from birth.
Lactose-free mixture "NAN" has a good composition. The main components are whey proteins, corn syrup, a complex of trace elements and vegetable oils.
There are also negative reviews. When using this mixture, the color and smell of the baby's discharge may change.
"Bellact" - a mixture for children with a diet menu
Lactose-free mixtures are designed to solve a complex of digestive problems. "Bellact" is prescribed for children who are diagnosed with secondary or primary digestion of lactose. Also, the product is recommended for babies who have a problem with loose stools. Judging by the reviews of parents and pediatricians, the mixture has many positive factors:
- It contains a full complex of vitamins and macro-microelements that contribute to the harmonious development of the child.
- The composition contains a list of useful components: prebiotics, nucleotides, amino acids, minerals, maltodextrin.
- Suitable for children from birth.
- May be used to treat diarrhea and its consequences.
Among the advantages, parents also highlighted the excellent digestibility of nutrition and the complete absence of flavorings, dyes.
If you consider the cons, then sometimes there are reviews that the child is allergic to certain components of the mixture.
Nutrilak with Omega-3
Lactose-free mixtures for children should provide all the necessary nutrients and vitamins. The Nutrilak product guarantees the full development of the baby and provides energy for the whole day. The mixture has a lot of positive reviews:
- Pleased with the composition of the food. It states: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, maltodextrin, a complex of micro and macro elements, vitamins, L-carnitine and an antioxidant complex.
- It is indicated not only with lactose deficiency, but with galactosemia and diarrhea syndrome.
- According to experts, such nutrition strengthens muscle tissue, stimulates brain cells, and promotes the formation of the skeletal system.
Please note that the mixture contains gluten. Some parents note a peculiar taste that is not suitable for all children. It can sometimes provoke an allergy.
Popular Nutrilon
Mixtures of the Nutrilon brand are as close as possible to the composition in breast milk and help prevent the development of infectious diseases. Many people like this lactose-free mixture. Reviews about it are mostly positive. Buyers highlighted:
- A full-fledged composition, where the main components are: prebiotics, fatty acids, vitamin and mineral complex.
- Indications for heightened sensitivity to any diet.
- There is a gradation by age. The first number is intended for children from birth to six months, the second - from six months.
- According to doctors, nutrition contributes to the formation of their own immunity, prevents the development of intestinal problems, stimulates the development of the optic nerve and central nervous system.
- Recognizable tin can.
By cons include the presence of palm oil. But it provides a mixture of fatty acids, which is always lacking in lactose-free mixtures.
"Grandma’s basket" - based on current trends
Baby formula “Grandma’s basket” is produced on the basis of modern quality standards and the requirements of doctors. If we consider lactose-free mixtures, then this brand can not be ignored. Despite the relatively low price, nutrition has a number of obvious advantages:
- Pretty decent staff. The main components are: taurine, casein, fatty acids, vitamin and mineral complex, glucose syrup.
- Suitable for galactosemia and lactose deficiency.
- The complete absence of whey proteins.
- Standard packing.
- Suitable for children from birth.
As a minus, it is possible to note the insufficient prevalence of lactose-free nutrition of this brand.
"Celia" for the normal development of the baby
Quite a few babies require a lactose-free mixture to adjust their nutrition. The list of the most popular products is continued by Celia. Nutrition has a beneficial effect on the intestines and stimulates the development of the nervous system. Of the advantages, it can be noted:
- The presence of bifidobacteria.
- A full range of all the necessary minerals and vitamins.
- It is indicated for recovery from diarrheal syndrome, with intestinal problems and lactose deficiency.
- Vegetable oils provide the product with fatty acids.
Among the disadvantages are the presence of palm oil in the composition. But (according to the manufacturer) it is of very high quality.
Low Lactose Similac
The mixture is not suitable for complete digestibility of lactose, but is indicated for increased gas formation and diarrhea syndrome. The nutritional composition, according to experts, is very good. Among the main components are: whey protein concentrate, taurine, minerals, vegetable oils, calcium caseinate.
According to the reviews of mothers, the mixture helps to support the body's natural immune forces and is well absorbed. However, it should be noted the presence of casein, which often causes allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Children with lactose deficiency require special nutrition. The best lactose-free mixture should be determined by the doctor together with the parents in each case. If a certain brand is ideal for one baby, then it can harm another. Therefore, it is necessary to take tests and, after prescribing the mixture, carefully monitor the baby's reaction.
If the baby has a failure of the first or second degree, it is important to choose a mixture with a complete absence of lactose. With problems with the intestines and frequent diarrhea, you can consider nutrition with a low content of this carbohydrate.
All considered mixtures are completely safe. Their quality is confirmed by numerous inspections and quality certificates.