Dairy-Protein Intolerance: Information

A milk-protein intolerance is where a person is unable to digest the proteins found in dairy. It really is that simple and straightforward. Instead of passing through the intestines, these proteins will stay in the intestine and irritate the lining of the intestine, causing it to bleed. Symptoms include gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and blood and/or mucus in the stools. It is very common in babies, because their intestines are very immature, and are often unable to tolerate milk protein at a young age. Most children will grow out of a milk-protein intolerance by the age of 1, although some children take longer. Many children will not grow out of this until they reach their teens or young adulthood, and a few children will never outgrow it. It is important for people to understand that a milk-protein intolerance is different from lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a sensitivity to the sugar in milk, lactose. So it is not enough for a food product to be lactose free. It actually has to have no forms of dairy in the ingredients and have a label of PAREVE somewhere on the container to be dairy free. After watching our little girl go through such pain, we are very careful about not exposing her to dairy products. Some may think that a little diarrhea isn't reason enough to stop Audrey from having a little dairy every now and then, however anyone who has ever had diarrhea knows how uncomfortable it is, and we know how her little belly hurt, so for us and for her, the sacrifice is well worth it.