Is your child lactose intolerant? Here are 5 benefits to lactose free milk

Lactose intolerance is a person's inability to digest and absorb lactose, the naturally occurring sugar found in milk. When a person with lactose intolerance consumes milk or other products containing lactose, they can experience a range of unpleasant symptoms, including cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and excess gas.

If you've recently found out that your child is lactose intolerant, it's likely that you might have some questions. Will you have to remove dairy entirely from their diet? What will you replace their regular milk with? How will they get all the nutrients they'd usually get from drinking milk? If these are some of the questions running through your head, we're here to put your mind at ease.

It's a common misconception that if you suffer from lactose intolerance you must cut out dairy completely, but this simply isn't the case. Dairy is a valuable source of nutrients in a child's diet so it's important not to cut it out unnecessarily.

It's worth noting that not all dairy products contain the same levels of lactose. For example, hard cheese and yoghurt tend to have lower levels of lactose, so may be better tolerated. You'll also be relieved to hear that your child can still continue to consume regular cow's milk that is simply lactose free.

Avonmore Lactose Free milk is a fantastic option if your child is lactose intolerant. It's made from regular fresh cow's milk, but has the enzyme lactase added to it, making it easier to digest and avoid the uncomfortable symptoms associated with lactose intolerance. Most people who are lactose intolerant don't make enough of this enzyme.

Here are just a handful of benefits that come from Avonmore Lactose Free milk.

It's a great source of calcium

Did you know that between 3-5 servings daily of milk are recommended for children? While there are alternatives available, it's important to note that not all plant-based alternatives are fortified with the same nutrients found in dairy milk such as protein, calcium and B-vitamins.

Avonmore Lactose Free milk has the same nutritional benefits of regular milk, so it's no surprise that it's an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for growing bones and healthy teeth, among other essential functions.

It's high in protein

Avonmore Lactose Free milk is high in protein, with 6.8g in each 200ml glass. Protein is needed for normal development of bones in children and is also important for the maintenance of muscle mass.

It's fortified with vitamins

Avonmore Lactose Free milk has been fortified with vitamin D, which is essential for absorbing calcium and helps support a healthy immune system. It's also enriched with vitamin B2 and vitamin B12, which help release energy from foods. So you can rest assured your child is getting plenty of their essential nutrients.

It tastes just like regular milk

Unlike some plant-based alternatives which can take a bit of getting used to, Avonmore Lactose Free milk tastes just like regular milk. So if you have any fussy eaters at home, this is one less thing you have to worry about.

You can use it the exact same way you would use regular milk

With Avonmore Lactose Free milk, your child won't have to compromise on the foods and drinks they love. Simply use this milk the same way you'd use regular milk – in teas, coffee, cereals, cooking, baking, you name it! They really don't have to miss out, just because they're lactose intolerant.

Visit your GP if you think you or your child is lactose intolerant.

If you’re lactose intolerant, Avonmore Lactose Free milk is the perfect choice for you. It’s made with regular cow’s milk so has the same great taste and nutritional goodness, just without the lactose. Avonmore Lactose Free milk is high in calcium and protein, and is enriched with vitamin D, B2 and B12. 

Visit www.avonmore.ie/products/lactose-free-milk for more information.

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