With the exception of galactosemia (that rare metabolic disorder where
an infant is unable to to metabolize lactose, or milk sugar, and cannot
be breastfed), lactose intolerance does not occur in infants.  It is
common in some adult populations, but symptoms do not appear before ages
4-5 at the youngest.  Human milk is actually higher in lactose than
cow's milk.

Many people, babies included, are sensitive or allergic to the protein
in cow's milk.  I often hear this erroneously referred to as lactose
intolerance, but it has nothing to do with lactose.  Galactosemia aside,
I have no idea what the point of lactose-free formula is.  Perhaps those
cynical formula manufacturers are trying to capitalize on the
aforementioned confusion!?!

Leslie White, LLLL
Deep River Ontario

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