Similar to other food intolerances, the onset and severity of lactose intolerance symptoms is related to dose, frequency of lactose ingested and the individual’s capacity to digest it.1 Clinical symptoms may appear between 1-3 hours after consumption, however, this has been reported to be highly variable among individuals.5

The most common symptoms of lactose intolerance include:

  • Stomach pain and cramps
  • Flatulence
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting1

While a severe allergic reaction is not common in those who are lactose intolerant, eating dairy products is enough to cause pain and discomfort throughout the digestive system. A child that has a negative reaction to eating or drinking milk and dairy products should be tested for a lactose intolerance.