Lactose intolerance is poorly understood in the Australian community. There are lots of myths and misunderstandings about it, especially when it comes to babies. Primary (or true) lactose intolerance is an extremely rare genetic condition and lactose intolerance is very different to intolerance or allergy to cows' milk protein. This article explains the differences between lactose intolerance and other conditions such as food allergies and lactose overload and dispels some of the myths about lactose intolerance in babies.

Lactose intolerance is a condition when your body cant break down a carbohydrate (sugar) called lactose which is present in cows milk, human breast milk, or any other milk from a mammal.

Lactase is an enzyme, or chemical, which the body uses to digest the sugar in milk(lactose). If there is not enough lactase, undigested milk sugar gets into the large bowel and may cause gut pains and diarrhoea. This is called lactose intolerance.

The health benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented but there's a lot of practical information many women don't know.

Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk, including breastmilk and formula. It is found in different amounts in all dairy products and any processed foods which contain milk. It is broken down to simpler sugars in the small bowel, by the enzyme lactase.

Many parents, particularly mothers, talked about what it was like caring for a baby. Feeding and settling (sleeping and crying) were key issues which often posed significant challenges for many new parents.

RISA Inc is a non profit community group that offers support to families of infants and children who suffer from gastro-oesophageal reflux and its complications. It is run by reflux families for the benefit of reflux families, and has done so since 1982.

Cow's milk is a common cause of food allergy in infants, but most grow out of this condition and ongoing symptoms in adults is very rare.

The following frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answers about food allergy are based on inquiries that have been received by, or forwarded to the Australasian Society of Clinical immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) since 1999. This document is regularly updated as new questions are received or new information becomes available