--- title: "Lactose Intolerant Child? | Sutter Health" description: "My child was diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Dairy makes her sick but she can eat lactose-free dairy products without issue. Is there something else that should be explored, or is my child a rare one year old with true lactose intolerance?" url: "/ask-an-expert/answers/lactose-intolerant-child-1051061375" --- 1. Home / 2. Lactose Intolerant Child? # Lactose Intolerant Child? * * * Medically reviewed by - Steven Machtinger, M.D. ## Question My child was diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Dairy makes her sick but she can eat lactose-free dairy products without issue. Is there something else that should be explored, or is my child a rare one year old with true lactose intolerance? ## Answer It may be that your child had a viral intestinal infection that has left her temporarily lactose intolerant. If she is otherwise growing well and has no abdominal pain, flatulence, or diarrhea when on a diet excluding only lactose then it's quite unlikely that something else is going on. It may or may not help but will certainly not harm her to try adding a probiotic to her diet for a month or two and then trying lactose-containing foods again. Start with a small amount of lactose. Check with your pediatrician if she continues to have these episodes of gastrointestinal distress. ## Explore related topics Children's healthLactose IntoleranceDigestive healthNutrition ## Meet our care team Steven Machtinger, M.D. Allergy and Immunology Pediatric Allergy and Immunology ## Related questions View all questions - Health Q&A ### Calcium Sources for Lactose Intolerant How can I get enough calcium when I am lactose intolerant? - Health Q&A ### Celiac Disease and Lactose Intolerance: Can enzymes help? I just purchased a gluten lactase enzyme medication that claims to let me eat anything safely. I have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, and also feel lactose intolerant. Will this product work, or did I just waste my money? - Health Q&A ### Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Diet I have a gluten and a dairy intolerance as well as high cholesterol. Do you have a diet suggestion that may address these issues and still allow me to enjoy meal times? I hate tofu! - Health Q&A ### Lactose Intolerance and Goat Cheese Does goat cheese contain lactose? If I am lactose intolerant, is it safe to eat? - Health Q&A ### Lactose and Gluten Sensitivity? Is the presence of lactose intolerance and/or irritable bowel syndrome typically associated with someone who may also be sensitive to gluten? 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