Lisa,

Primary lactase deficiency is a very rare, genetic condition.  I'm sure
it is over diagnosed by at least a hundred times what actually exists.

Temporary lactose intolerance is also a very real condition brought on
by severe diarrhea.  Since diarrhea is not common in breastfed babies,
temporary lactose intolerance is not common either.  However, from what
I understand, it occurs sometimes in premies and may be treated by
adding lactase to EBM.

Since formula fed babies are so much more prone to diarrhea, temporary
lactose intolerance is much more common.  Often, when this happens, a
baby will be switched from milk-based formula to soy.  I believe that,
in this case, a switch to Lactofree, with a return to the regular milk
based formula, is preferable to using the soy.

Except for in the rare baby with primary lactase deficiency, Lactofree
is essentially a treatment for a problem that the formula companies have
caused in the first place!  Kind of reminds me of the Ross diaper bags
with the little can of formula and the bottle of Pedialyte.

Aloha,
Darillyn