Lactose Intolerance in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Lactose intolerance is a common digestive issue for both adults and children in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan. It happens when the body cannot properly digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and many dairy products.

In a city like Grand Rapids—where dairy products are common in local diets and cold winters increase the need for strong bones and adequate calcium—understanding lactose intolerance is especially important for long-term health.

What Is Lactose and Lactase?

Lactose is a type of sugar found in:

  • Cow’s milk
  • Goat’s milk
  • Dairy products like cheese, yoghurt, ice cream, and cream

To digest lactose, the body needs an enzyme called lactase, which is made in the lining of the small intestine. Lactase breaks lactose down into two simpler sugars:

  • Glucose
  • Galactose

These simpler sugars are then absorbed into the bloodstream and used for energy.

If the body does not make enough lactase, lactose is not fully digested. Instead, it moves into the large intestine, where gut bacteria ferment it, producing gas and other byproducts. This process leads to the uncomfortable symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Who Gets Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is largely genetic and varies by ethnic background:

  • Many people of Western European descent continue to produce lactase throughout life and may never develop lactose intolerance.
  • Lactose intolerance is very common (and normal) after early childhood among people with ancestry from:
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • The Middle East
    • Some Mediterranean countries
    • Indigenous populations of the Americas

In a diverse city like Grand Rapids, with residents from many cultural backgrounds, lactose intolerance is relatively common—especially in adults and older children.

Lactose Intolerance in Babies and Children

Babies Can Usually Tolerate Lactose

Healthy newborns and young babies of all backgrounds are normally able to digest lactose. Breast milk naturally contains about 7% lactose, regardless of the mother’s diet. Changing a breastfeeding mother’s dairy intake does not change the lactose level in her breast milk.

Many American babies, including those in Grand Rapids, are weaned from breast milk too early because their fussiness or gas is mistakenly blamed on lactose intolerance. In reality:

  • Primary or congenital lactose intolerance (where a baby is born with no lactase at all) is extremely rare.
  • Most babies who are irritable or gassy do not have true lactose intolerance.

Types of Lactose Intolerance in Babies

There are two main types of lactose intolerance in infants:

1. Primary (Congenital) Lactose Intolerance

This is a very rare genetic condition where:

  • The baby is born with no lactase enzyme.
  • Symptoms start from birth:
    • Severe diarrhoea
    • Failure to gain weight
    • Poor growth (failure to thrive)

These babies are diagnosed soon after birth and must be fed lactose-free formula or special medical formulas under close medical supervision.

2. Secondary Lactose Intolerance

This type is much more common and usually temporary. It occurs when the lining of the small intestine (where lactase is made) is damaged. Causes can include:

  • A recent bout of gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
  • Parasitic infections
  • Coeliac disease
  • Ongoing gut irritation or inflammation
  • Food allergies or intolerances that damage the gut lining

Once the underlying problem is treated and the gut heals, lactase production usually returns and symptoms improve.

Breastfeeding and Lactose Intolerance

For breastfed babies who show signs that might look like lactose intolerance:

  • They should continue breastfeeding unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • The lactose content of breast milk does not change based on the mother’s diet.
  • There is usually no need for a breastfeeding mother to cut out dairy, unless:
    • The baby has a confirmed cow’s milk protein allergy, or
    • A specialist has recommended a trial dairy-free diet to help heal the baby’s gut.

If your baby is formula-fed, there is no benefit to switching to lactose-free formula unless:

  • Your baby is losing weight
  • Your pediatrician or family doctor recommends it after assessment

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Symptoms usually appear 30 minutes to a few hours after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose. Common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Abdominal swelling (bloating)
  • Excessive gas (flatulence)
  • Watery stools or diarrhoea
  • Rumbling or gurgling in the stomach

In babies and young children, you may notice:

  • Frequent, watery bowel movements
  • Lots of gas and apparent tummy pain
  • Fussiness around feeds

Vomiting is not a typical symptom of lactose intolerance in babies.
If your baby is vomiting a lot, seems very unsettled, or has blood in their stools, this may indicate:

  • Cow’s milk protein allergy
  • Another food allergy or intolerance
  • Another medical condition

These situations should be assessed promptly by a doctor.

How Lactose Intolerance Causes Symptoms

When there is not enough lactase:

  1. Lactose is not digested in the small intestine.
  2. It travels to the large intestine, where gut bacteria ferment it.
  3. This fermentation produces gases and acids, leading to:
    • Bloating
    • Excess wind
    • Cramps and discomfort

Undigested lactose also draws water into the bowel, which:

  • Prevents water from being absorbed into the bloodstream
  • Leads to loose, watery stools or diarrhoea

Diagnosing Lactose Intolerance in Grand Rapids

If you or your child has ongoing digestive symptoms after consuming dairy, speak with a healthcare provider. In Grand Rapids, you can start with:

  • Your primary care doctor
  • A pediatrician
  • A gastroenterologist at Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or other local clinics

Common diagnostic methods include:

Hydrogen Breath Test

  • You drink a lactose-containing drink.
  • Your breath is tested at intervals to measure hydrogen levels.
  • Higher than normal hydrogen suggests that lactose is being fermented by bacteria in the bowel instead of being digested by lactase.

Elimination and Reintroduction Diet

  • Lactose-containing foods are removed from the diet for a set period.
  • If symptoms improve, lactose is reintroduced.
  • If symptoms return with reintroduction, lactose intolerance is likely.

A simple practical check is to compare how you feel after drinking:

  • Regular milk vs.
  • Lactose-free milk

If symptoms are much better with lactose-free milk, lactose intolerance is likely.

Lactose Intolerance vs. Milk Allergy

Lactose intolerance is a digestive problem, not an immune reaction.
Cow’s milk protein allergy is an immune system reaction and can be more serious.

Milk allergy may cause:

  • Hives or rash
  • Wheezing or breathing problems
  • Vomiting
  • Blood or mucus in stools
  • Poor growth in infants

If you suspect a milk allergy, especially in a baby or young child, seek medical advice promptly at a Grand Rapids urgent care, pediatric practice, or local emergency department if symptoms are severe.

Managing Lactose Intolerance Without Losing Nutrition

In Michigan, especially during long, cold winters, getting enough calcium and vitamin D is essential for bone health. Grand Rapids residents with lactose intolerance should not simply cut out all dairy without a plan.

Many People Can Tolerate Some Lactose

Most people with lactose intolerance can handle small amounts of lactose with few or no symptoms. For many adults:

  • Up to about 240 ml (1 cup) of milk per day may be tolerated.
  • Tolerance varies, so you may need to experiment with amounts and timing.

Dairy Products That Are Low in Lactose

Many dairy products are naturally low in lactose and are often well tolerated:

  • Hard, matured cheeses (usually lactose-free or very low):

    • Cheddar
    • Edam
    • Swiss
    • Mozzarella
    • Brie
    • Feta

  • Very low-lactose options:

    • Cream
    • Butter
    • Cottage cheese
    • Ricotta

  • Yoghurt:

    • Usually well tolerated because live bacteria use lactose for energy, reducing the lactose content over time
    • Look for yoghurt with live active cultures

Fresh cheeses like cottage cheese and ricotta have low levels of lactose and are usually tolerated in small amounts.

Practical Tips for Eating with Lactose Intolerance

  • Drink milk in moderate quantities
    • Start with small amounts and see how your body responds.
  • Choose full-fat milk if you tolerate it
    • Fat slows digestion, giving any lactase more time to work.
    • Low-fat or non-fat milks may move through the gut faster and can cause more symptoms in some people.
  • Spread lactose intake throughout the day
    • Have smaller servings of lactose-containing foods with meals rather than a large amount at once.
  • Combine lactose with other foods
    • Eating dairy with other foods can slow digestion and reduce symptoms.
  • Use lactose-free products
    • Lactose-free milk and lactose-free dairy products are widely available in Grand Rapids grocery stores.
  • Try soy or other plant-based alternatives
    • Soy milk, soy yoghurt, and many fortified plant-based milks (almond, oat, etc.) are lactose-free and often fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

Hidden Sources of Lactose

Lactose can appear in many processed foods. If you are very sensitive, check labels carefully. Foods that may contain lactose include:

  • Some breads and baked goods
  • Biscuits and cakes (if milk or milk solids are added)
  • Processed breakfast cereals
  • Cheese sauces
  • Cream soups
  • Custard and puddings
  • Milk chocolate
  • Pancakes and pikelets
  • Scrambled eggs made with milk or cream
  • Quiche
  • Muesli bars
  • Some margarines (if they contain milk products)

On ingredient lists, look for:

  • Milk
  • Milk solids
  • Non-fat milk solids
  • Whey
  • Milk powder
  • Milk sugar (lactose)

Lactose Intolerance in Babies: When to Seek Help

If your baby in Grand Rapids is:

  • Having many loose or watery bowel movements
  • Very gassy and seems in pain
  • Not gaining weight well
  • Has blood or mucus in stools

You should have them checked by a:

  • Pediatrician
  • Family doctor
  • Child health clinic

Your doctor will:

  • Check growth and weight gain
  • Look for signs of infection or other medical problems
  • Consider whether there could be a cow’s milk protein allergy or another condition

Vomiting alone, if your baby is otherwise happy, gaining weight, and having normal urine and stool output, is usually not a sign of lactose intolerance and often is normal “spitting up” in young infants. However, if vomiting is frequent, forceful, or your baby seems very unwell, seek medical care.

Breastfeeding support can be very helpful in situations where there is suspected lactose overload (baby taking in more milk than they can easily digest at once). You can:

  • Talk with a lactation consultant
  • Ask your pediatrician for a referral
  • Connect with local breastfeeding support groups in Grand Rapids

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you suspect lactose intolerance for yourself or your child, or you need help managing your diet:

Medical Care

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Grand Rapids
    Primary care, pediatrics, and gastroenterology services.

  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    Offers family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatric care.

  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    Provides digestive health specialists and nutrition support.

  • Mercy Health / local clinics
    Community-based care for families across the Grand Rapids area.

Public Health and Nutrition Support

  • Kent County Health Department
    Offers nutrition education, WIC services, and child health programs.
    Website: search “Kent County Health Department nutrition”

  • Grand Rapids Public Health & community clinics
    May offer low-cost or sliding-scale nutrition counseling and pediatric services.

  • Registered Dietitians in Grand Rapids
    Many local hospitals and private practices have dietitians who can:

    • Help you plan a low-lactose or lactose-free diet
    • Ensure you still get enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein—especially important during Michigan’s low-sunlight winter months.

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment with a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids if:

  • You or your child have ongoing diarrhoea, bloating, or abdominal pain after eating dairy
  • Your baby is not gaining weight or seems very unwell
  • There is blood or mucus in your or your child’s stool
  • You suspect cow’s milk protein allergy
  • You are unsure how to safely reduce lactose while maintaining good nutrition

Do not give up all milk products without medical advice, especially for children and teens, who need calcium and vitamin D for healthy bone development.

Key Points for Grand Rapids Residents

  • Many babies are unnecessarily weaned because their irritability is wrongly assumed to be lactose intolerance.
  • Symptoms of lactose intolerance include diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain, and excessive gas.
  • If you are experiencing these symptoms and are concerned, talk to your doctor or pediatrician.
  • Many people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small amounts of lactose with minimal symptoms.
  • The fermentation of undigested lactose in the large intestine causes gas, bloating, and pain.
  • With good guidance and local support in Grand Rapids, you can manage lactose intolerance while still maintaining a healthy, balanced diet year-round.