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While breast milk is a rich and optimal source of nutrients for newborns, some infants need to supplement with formula but experience diarrhea when they do. There are numerous reasons why infants experience diarrhea with formula consumption. This significantly impacts the health and development of young children. Causes of formula-induced diarrhea include lactose intolerance, milk protein allergy, ... Identifying the precise cause of infant formula-induced diarrhea can help mothers determine the appropriate treatment direction. Therefore, parents are encouraged to refer to this article for guidance!
1. What causes formula-fed baby diarrhea?
In addition to breast milk, formula also provides infants with a plethora of nutrients such as minerals, protein, vitamins, calcium, ... Formula aids in the physical development, height, and immune system enhancement of infants. However, some infants experience diarrhea due to the following reasons when consuming formula:
1.1. Infant formula-induced diarrhea: Lactose intolerance
One common reason why infants develop diarrhea after consuming formula milk is that they have lactose intolerance, also known as lactose metabolism disorder. This sugar is found in milk and milk products. Lactose is broken down by the lactase enzyme into single sugar molecules like glucose, which is used by the body for energy.
Infants with lactose intolerance may experience diarrhea when drinking formula milk
However, this breakdown process cannot occur in infants with lactose intolerance. Their bodies cannot produce or produce very little lactase enzyme. As a result, excess lactose is pushed down to the colon and metabolized by bacteria into carbonic gas and lactic acid. This often results in symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, frothy acidic stools, diaper rash, etc. Symptoms vary depending on the amount of lactose consumed by the infant and the amount absorbed.
Infant formula-induced diarrhea due to lactose intolerance has the following 3 forms:
The primary cause of milk protein allergy lies in the immune system's confusion, mistaking milk proteins as harmful entities. Two proteins, casein and Whey, present in milk, trigger this condition. Milk protein allergy can be hereditary, passed from parents to offspring. Infants with milk protein allergy may also suffer from other conditions such as eczema, allergies to other foods, allergic rhinitis, etc.
1.3. Infant formula-induced diarrhea: Inappropriate milk choice for the baby
Some infants experience diarrhea due to inappropriate formula milk choices, either the milk type is not suitable for the baby's age or the baby's physiology does not match the milk being used. This leads to digestive disorders and poor absorption. For infants under 6 months old, breastfeeding is recommended. If formula milk is necessary, consult a nutrition specialist to find a formula closest to breast milk and appropriate for the baby's age. Note that infants at this age should not consume fresh cow's milk, whole cow's milk powder, sweetened condensed milk, or formulas for babies over 6 months old. Consumption of these types of milk leads to incomplete digestion in the baby's immature digestive system, resulting in digestive disorders.
Infant formula-induced diarrhea due to incorrect milk type for the baby's age
At around 6 months old, parents can switch to the same brand of formula milk the baby was using previously. This ensures the baby's nutritional needs are met and aligns with their age. Children over one year old can explore a variety of milk types such as fresh milk and pasteurized milk. Parents can choose flavors the baby prefers while considering manufacturer recommendations on packaging. Note: Parents should avoid frequent changes in milk types for the baby. The baby's digestive system is still delicate, and each milk change requires adaptation time. Additionally, different milk types may introduce different gut microbiota. Frequent milk changes can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, affecting the baby's digestion and absorption.
2. How to identify lactose intolerance in babies
- Above are insights into why babies experience diarrhea from formula milk and parents suspect their baby might have lactose intolerance. So how can you tell if your baby has lactose intolerance?
Parents can observe the following signs. If the baby suffers from lactose intolerance, they may exhibit the following symptoms within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming formula milk or breastfeeding: - Baby's abdomen becomes bloated, distended, gassy, or produces excessive gas.
- Baby experiences diarrhea.
- Baby complains of abdominal pain.
- Baby vomits or regurgitates.
Signs to identify lactose intolerance in children
However, for utmost assurance, parents should take their baby to a reputable healthcare facility for examination. Here, doctors will conduct tests, measure blood sugar levels when the baby consumes lactose solution and when they don't. Sometimes, the baby will be assessed by a specialized gastroenterologist to evaluate the situation.
3. Dealing with infant formula-induced diarrhea
Should you continue giving formula milk to a baby experiencing diarrhea? Below, I'll provide mothers with quick measures to address this issue.
3.1. Remedial measures based on the cause
For babies exclusively breastfeeding and supplemented with formula milk, continue breastfeeding and discontinue cow's milk. Breast milk contains essential antibodies that boost the baby's immune system, including the digestive immune system. Nucleotides in breast milk contribute to the regeneration of damaged intestinal mucosa caused by infections. Therefore, if the baby experiences diarrhea from formula milk, mothers should breastfeed and explore a more suitable formula for the baby.
Children with lactose intolerance should limit dairy product consumption
For infants experiencing formula-induced diarrhea due to cow's milk allergy, it's advisable to avoid dairy products such as powdered milk, cheese, yogurt, etc. If the baby still needs to consume milk, mothers should opt for hydrolyzed protein milk. This ensures adequate nutrient supply from milk while significantly reducing appetite loss.
3.2. Enhancing the baby's digestive system
Typically, infants with lactose intolerance are prone to gut microbiota imbalance. Therefore, supplementing probiotics for lactose-intolerant babies is essential.
+ Probiotics help eliminate harmful bacteria and maintain gut microbiota balance.
+ When attached to the intestinal wall, probiotics thrive and support the water regulation process in stool. This quickly improves the condition of formula milk-induced diarrhea in babies. They also secrete digestive enzymes, including lactase, to digest lactose, improving lactose intolerance.
Babies experiencing formula-induced diarrhea should supplement probiotics
Moreover, parents can consider providing digestive enzyme supplements for their baby. There are specialized digestive enzyme supplements available for lactose-intolerant babies in the market. However, prolonged use of digestive enzymes may affect the body's enzyme secretion. Therefore, before giving them to the baby, parents should consult a doctor, pharmacist, or professional.
For babies experiencing formula-induced vomiting, although not overly dangerous, parents should address it promptly to ensure the baby receives essential nutrients. This is crucial for balanced physical and intellectual development. Hopefully, the above insights will be helpful for mothers in their parenting journey.
