If your baby is lactose intolerant and you have recently started your baby on formula, then you may want to check the labels before buying a particular brand of formula. Almost all formulas will have some amount of lactose in them. When my kids were little not enough attention was focused on this and I learned the hard way! I hope my article will help the new parents that are looking to find more answers on lactose and their new bundle of joy.
The primary reason for this is that manufacturers add milk-based ingredients to provide essential vitamins and minerals as well as fats that are easily digestible for babies. Mothers who are concerned about their baby’s lactose intake can look for formulas that are lower in lactose or have no lactose added. They are looking for options that they can give to their babies. One of these is the Enfamil Gentlease. So, does Enfamil Gentlease have lactose?
Lactose is one of the sugars that naturally occur in human breast milk and other types of cow, goat, and human milk. It’s also present in many foods like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and other fermented dairy products.
While it’s not a problem for most adults to consume small amounts of lactose from foods like these, it can be challenging for some people to digest lactose after they’re weaned off of breast milk. If you or your baby has difficulty digesting lactose-containing foods, you may want to consider Enfamil Gentlease infant formula if you are concerned about the amount of lactose in Enfamil Newborn.
Table of Contents
- What Is Lactose Intolerant?
- Lactose Intolerance Vs. Milk Allergy
- Does Enfamil Gentlease Have Lactose?
- How To Serve Enfamil Gentlease?
- Amount Of Serving Per Feeding?
- Where To Buy Enfamil Gentlease?
- Final Words By Sharon
Read Also: 8 Reasons Why Breast Milk Is Healthier for an Underweight Newborn
What Is Lactose Intolerant?
Lactose intolerance occurs when a person has difficulty digesting lactose, the major form of sugar present in milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy, which is an immune reaction to one or more proteins found in milk. Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine does not produce enough of an enzyme known as lactase. Lactase breaks down lactose into smaller sugars that are absorbed into the bloodstream.
If you have lactose intolerance, drinking milk or eating other dairy products may cause symptoms such as:
- bloating
- diarrhea
- gas
- nausea
- stomach cramps
These symptoms usually start 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking. They can range from mild to severe, and they tend to get worse as you eat or drink more.
Read Also: Holle Goat Milk Formula- Which Stage Is Correct for Baby?
Lactose Intolerance Vs. Milk Allergy
Lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy, which is an immune reaction to one or more proteins found in milk. People with a milk allergy may have symptoms such as:
- hives
- wheezing
- trouble breathing
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach cramps
These symptoms usually start within minutes after drinking milk or eating other dairy products. They can range from mild to severe, and they can be life-threatening.
Lactose intolerance is more common than a milk allergy. It’s estimated that about 65% of the world’s population has some degree of lactose intolerance. People with lactose intolerance can often eat or drink small amounts of dairy without having symptoms. And some people with lactose intolerance can tolerate dairy products if they eat them with other foods.
If you have symptoms after eating or drinking milk or other dairy products, talk to your doctor to find out if you have lactose intolerance or a milk allergy.
Does Enfamil Gentlease Have Lactose?
Enfamil Gentlease is a milk-based infant formula designed for babies who are intolerant to lactose or have difficulty digesting protein. It’s also recommended for use in infants with colic. Enfamil Gentlease is made with partially hydrolyzed milk protein, which makes it easier to digest than other formulas. The amount of lactose in Enfamil Gentlease is reduced, but it’s not completely eliminated. If your baby is intolerant to lactose, he or she may still have symptoms after drinking this formula.
Enfamil Gentlease also contains prebiotics, which are types of fiber that help promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. This prebiotics may help reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
If your baby is intolerant to lactose or has difficulty digesting protein, talk to your doctor about whether Enfamil Gentlease is the right formula for him or her. You may need to try a few different formulas before you find one that works well for your baby.
To sum it up, Enfamil Gentlease does have lactose. However, the amount is reduced and there are also prebiotics included which may help reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance. If you believe your baby is intolerant to lactose, speak with a doctor before trying this formula.
Read Also: Sharon’s Guide to the Freemie Independence Breast Pump
How To Serve Enfamil Gentlease?
Enfamil Gentlease can be served as is or mixed with water. It’s important to follow the instructions on the package for mixing the formula correctly. If you don’t mix the formula correctly, your baby may not get enough nutrition.
If you’re using ready-to-serve Enfamil Gentlease, shake the bottle well before each use. Pour the formula into a clean bottle or cup and screw on the cap. Serve the formula at room temperature or warm it by holding the bottle under running water or submerging it in a bowl of warm water for no more than 15 minutes.
If you’re using powder Enfamil Gentlease, add the specified amount of water to the bottle or cup first. Then add the powder and shake well. Powder formula can go bad if it’s not used within 30 minutes, so be sure to make only as much as your baby will drink.
Powdered Enfamil Gentlease formula should be stored in a cool, dry place. Once mixed with water, the formula should be used within 2 hours or thrown away. Ready-to-serve Enfamil Gentlease can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
Amount Of Serving Per Feeding?
The amount of Enfamil Gentlease your baby needs will depend on his or her age and weight. Your doctor can tell you how much to feed your baby.
In general, babies should drink about 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 milliliters) of formula per feeding. They may need more or less depending on their appetite, age, and weight.
Babies under 6 months old should drink about 4 to 5 feedings per day. Babies 6 to 12 months old should drink about 3 to 4 feedings per day. Toddlers and older children should drink 2 to 3 feedings per day.
Read Also: Baby Waking Up Too Early? Here’s Why!
Where To Buy Enfamil Gentlease?
Enfamil Gentlease is available at most major retailers, including Amazon. You can also buy it online from the Enfamil website.
When buying Enfamil Gentlease, be sure to check the expiration date on the package. It’s important to use the formula before it expires because it may not be as effective after that date.
You should also check the packaging to make sure it’s intact and hasn’t been damaged. If the packaging is damaged, it’s possible the formula has been contaminated and could make your baby sick.
Final Words By Sharon
Enfamil Gentlease is a formula that’s designed to be easier to digest for babies who have trouble digesting protein or lactose. The amount of lactose in the formula is reduced, and there are also prebiotics included which may help reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance. If you believe your baby is intolerant to lactose, speak with a doctor before trying this formula.
Sharon Dunn
