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Wed, 28 Jul 1999 11:02:42 EDT |
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In a message dated 7/27/99 11:13:48 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
<< "Can lactose intolerance cause seizures in a 6 month old baby? They started
at 8 weeks and no cause can be found other than the first test done for
lactose showed a possible problem." >>
I have not heard of LI causing seizures. However, I do know that it is very
rare for an infant to be lactose intolerant unless he has the condition
called galactosemia. Infants are meant to receive their mother's milk, which
is very high in lactose. It is after the age of four or so, which is the
natural age of weaning in humans, that the ability to digest lactose
declines.
This is directly out of The Breastfeeding Answer Book: "...a baby born with
primary lactase deficiency is born without any lactase - the enzyme needed to
break down lactose, or milk sugar. He will not be able to use the lactose in
milk and must be fed a special lactose-free formula to survive. Another
metabolic disorder, called galactosemia, means the baby is born without the
liver enzyme that breaks down galactose and is unable to metabolize lactose,
or milk sugar. Galactosemia, if left untreated, causes vomiting, weight
loss, cataracts, liver disease, and mental retardation. Both primary lactase
deficiency and galactosemia generally becomes obvious within a baby's first
weeks or months of life." Both of these conditions are extremely rare.
Was there any birth trauma? Family history of seizures? Other neurological
problems? Sounds like a thorough neurological exam is needed. Good luck and
let me know.
Kim Sherwood
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