This is an automatically translated article.
The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Intolerance to lactose in milk (milk sugar) is a common phenomenon for many people. Milk is an important food, helping pregnant women supplement many different nutrients, including calcium. So in case of lactose intolerance, what should pregnant women do?
1. What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is a condition in which a person cannot fully digest the lactose found in milk (milk sugar) when eating or drinking products containing lactose, resulting in bloating or diarrhea after when eating. Another name for this condition is milk sugar malabsorption. Lactose intolerance is usually harmless, but it causes many inconveniences and discomforts for sufferers.
Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase in the small intestine. The enzyme lactase plays a role in digesting lactose in food and drinks. Normally, lactase breaks down lactose into the simple sugars glucose and galactose, which are then absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the intestinal lining. In cases where the lactase enzyme is missing, the lactose is not broken down, moves down the colon, interacts with bacteria that naturally exist in the colon and causes the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance. However, many people with low lactase levels can digest lactose-containing products without symptoms, and the fact is that most people with lactose intolerance can manage the condition without needing to worry. completely eliminate foods containing lactose (typically milk).
Various factors that cause lactase enzyme deficiency will lead to different forms of the disease, including three forms of lactose intolerance:
Primary lactose intolerance: primary lactose intolerance is the type of intolerance. Lactose intolerance is the most common, genetic cause, affecting mainly adults. People with primary lactose intolerance are characterized by the lactase enzyme being produced less and less by the body over time, thus not guaranteeing the amount of enzyme needed for an adult's diet. The prevalence of primary lactose intolerance varies widely depending on geographical location, occurs most frequently in Northwestern Europe, gradually decreases in southern Europe and the Middle East region, and has a high prevalence. low in Asia as well as much of Africa (but lactose intolerance is quite common among nomadic populations in Africa). Secondary lactose intolerance: also known as acquired lactose intolerance, affects both children and adults. Secondary lactose intolerance occurs when lactase production is decreased in the small intestine after illness, trauma, or surgery involving the small intestine. The causes of secondary lactose intolerance are gastroenteritis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease,... Secondary lactose intolerance can be reversible, partially reversible or irreversible, depending on cause of secondary lactose intolerance. Congenital Lactose Intolerance: This extremely rare, genetic form of lactose intolerance occurs in babies who have not been able to produce the enzyme lactase since birth. These babies won't be able to digest lactose at all, even after they've grown into adults. And for the same reason these babies are lactose intolerant, they cannot eat breast milk at all. Before the 20th century, children with congenital lactose intolerance often did not survive, but mortality rates have decreased as medicine has become clearer about lactose intolerance and lactose-free products have been introduced. was born to replace traditional milk.
2. What should pregnant women do with lactose intolerance?
For many women, the ability to digest lactose increases during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy, so it is common for a pregnant woman to have lactose intolerance, but still can drink raw milk and consume other dairy products without any problems.
Milk is an important food for pregnant women, because it is a good source of nutrition and a rich source of calcium. The need for calcium in pregnant women is quite high. During pregnancy a woman needs 1000 mg of calcium per day, especially pregnant adolescents need up to 1300 mg of calcium per day.
If you experience lactose intolerance during pregnancy, or simply do not like the taste of raw milk and other dairy products, pregnant women can refer to the following tips:
Include calcium-rich foods in your daily diet, such as cashews, broccoli, whole soybeans (edamame), chickpeas, pinto beans, tofu, spinach, and food products , other calcium-fortified beverages. If you are a person who likes to drink cashew milk, pregnant women should choose a type with added calcium. Use calcium supplements. Many people who are lactose intolerant can usually consume small amounts of raw milk with meals, such as half a cup of raw milk, with no symptoms or only very mild symptoms. Consider using low-lactose or completely lactose-free products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt. Yogurt and fermented products, such as cheese, are generally more tolerable than regular dairy products. Especially in yogurt, the lactose has been partially broken down by microbial activity, making yogurt a more tolerable product. Vitamin D is an ingredient that helps the body absorb calcium, especially during the second half of pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women do not forget to supplement vitamin D in addition to calcium supplements.
Vinmec International General Hospital offers a Package Maternity Care Program for pregnant women right from the first months of pregnancy with full prenatal check-ups, 3D, 4D ultrasound, ultrasound Periodic birth defects and routine tests to ensure that the mother is healthy and the fetus develops comprehensively. In addition to regular check-ups, pregnant women will also be advised on nutrition and exercise so that the mother can gain weight reasonably while the fetus still absorbs nutrients well.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
Articles refer to sources: mayoclinic.org and webmd.com
