Lactose intolerance in babies under the age of one is rare. However, it still does occur. With this, parents should check lactose free milk brands Philippines has to offer to provide their baby’s dietary needs.
However, what is lactose intolerance anyway? According to Very Well Family, it is “the impaired ability to digest the sugar lactose." The body needs lactase, an enzyme that digests lactose. This is due to several possible reasons, which we’ll get into below.
What is responsible for lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is typically characterized by diarrhea, stomach cramping, gas, and bloating. For babies who are still unable to talk, Healthline says you should watch out for the following signs:
- arching their backs;
- kicking their legs;
- clenching their fists; and
- crying while passing gas.
Now, as for what makes your little one have lactose intolerance, there are several conditions and reasons. Allow us to enumerate them below. The first is congenital lactase deficiency.
From the term itself, you can glean that this is something they are born with. Your little one may have been born without lactase enzymes. Babies who have this will immediately have symptoms after drinking milk.
Another possible reason is developmental lactase deficiency. Premature infants can have this and it is only temporary. It happens to infants before their small intestines have fully developed.
Very Well Family also lists galactosemia as something that can affect the baby’s ability to break down lactose.
Galactosemia is a rare condition in which the infant is unable to digest galactose, a part of the sugar lactose.
Best Lactose-free Formula Milk Brands in the Philippines
Best Lactose Free Formula Milk
![product image](https://parenttown-prod.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/product_affiliate/products/16468930749948.jpeg) | Similac Tummicare Best Overall | ![more info icon](https://static.cdntap.com/tap-assets-prod/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2021/08/i-icon.png?width=450&quality=90) | View Details | Buy Now |
![product image](https://parenttown-prod.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/product_affiliate/products/16467185717946.jpeg) | Isomil Soy Formula Best Soy Formula | ![more info icon](https://static.cdntap.com/tap-assets-prod/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2021/08/i-icon.png?width=450&quality=90) | View Details | Buy Now |
![product image](https://parenttown-prod.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/product_affiliate/products/16468932935380.jpeg) | Bonna Low Lactose Best Low Lactose | ![more info icon](https://static.cdntap.com/tap-assets-prod/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2021/08/i-icon.png?width=450&quality=90) | View Details | Buy Now |
![product image](https://assets.parenttown.com/product_affiliate/products/11120262181716343954.jpg) | Nestogen Lactose Most Affordable | ![more info icon](https://static.cdntap.com/tap-assets-prod/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2021/08/i-icon.png?width=450&quality=90) | View Details | Buy Now |
![product image](https://assets.parenttown.com/product_affiliate/products/1261040931716344396.jpg) | Nan Sensitive Infant Formula Best for Gastrointestinal Problems | ![more info icon](https://static.cdntap.com/tap-assets-prod/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2021/08/i-icon.png?width=450&quality=90) | View Details | Buy Now |
![product image](https://assets.parenttown.com/product_affiliate/products/9193953651716344732.jpg) | S-26 GOLD Lactose-Free Infant Formula Best Expert-Trusted | ![more info icon](https://static.cdntap.com/tap-assets-prod/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2021/08/i-icon.png?width=450&quality=90) | View Details | Buy Now |
Best Overall Lactose-Free Formula Milk
Best Lactose-Free Formula Milk Brands Available Online | Similac
First on our list is Similac TummiCare HW Formula Milk. It has an easy-to-digest formulation with TummiCare system. You don’t have to worry about your little one’s sensitive tummy because it is hypoallergenic and lactose-free. They use partially hydrolyzed whey as a replacement for cow’s milk.
Additionally, you’ll love it even more because it is beneficial for babies’ brain and eye development. It contains EyeQ Plus with Lutein, AA, and DHA. Also, you can be sure that your little one’s body can absorb all the nutrients from this milk because it doesn’t contain palm oil.
This formula milk is suitable for babies 0 to 12 months old.
Features we love:
- Hypoallergenic and lactose-free
- Partially hydrolyzed whey
- For brain and eye development
Best Lactose-Free Soy Formula Milk
Best Lactose-Free Formula Milk Brands Available Online | Isomil
This brand has been around since 1966. Made with a soy-based formula from high-quality soy proteins, Isomil Milk has been assisting children with cow milk sensitivity, lactose intolerance, and other feeding requirements.
Furthermore, Isomil is 100% lactose-free and is enhanced with EyeQ Plus, which means it contains higher levels of lutein and DHA for brain and eye development. It also contains prebiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
Features we love:
- Soy-based
- With EyeQ Plus and DHA
- Contains Prebiotics
Best Low Lactose Formula Milk
Best Lactose-Free Formula Milk Brands Available Online | Bonna
Alright, so this one’s not completely lactose-free – it’s low lactose. But we’re adding Bonna Low Lactose Formula Milk to the list as an option as well. It contains 0.29 grams Lactose per serving and is tolerable compared to regular formula milk with 4 grams Lactose per serving.
On top of it, it has probiotics that is beneficial to tummy health. It can help balance baby’s gut flora to support the recovery from diarrhea.
Features we love:
- Low lactose formula milk
- Contains Probiotics
Most Affordable Lactose-Free Formula Milk
Best Lactose-Free Formula Milk Brands Available Online | Nestogen
Here’s another low lactose option. This time, it’s from Nestle. Nestogen Low Lactose is one of the most affordable low lactose milks that you can buy online. It is composed of different tummy-friendly ingredients for your little one’s healthy and happy gut.
What’s more to love with this formula milk is that it offers a lot of health benefits for your little one. It is good for your baby’s growth and development, bone and teeth health, digestive function and brain.
Features we love:
- Affordable formula milk
- Tummy-friendly ingredients
- Offers many health benefits
Best Lactose-Free Formula Milk for Gastrointestinal Problems
Best Lactose-Free Formula Milk Brands Available Online | NAN
If your baby experiences colic, constipation, or diarrhea frequently due to the milk they are consuming, it may be a sign that you need to switch their formula. One of the best formula options for gastrointestinal problems is NAN Sensitive Infant Formula.
This infant formula uses partially hydrolyzed whey protein derived from modified cow’s milk. It also contains Lactobacillus reuteri, a probiotic culture beneficial for managing dietary issues in infants, such as colic, constipation, diarrhea, and other stomach discomforts.
Moreover, NAN Sensitive is packed with nutrients that can boost the immune system and support your baby’s growth and development.
Features we love:
- Low lactose formula
- For smoother digestion
- Immunity boosting ingredients
Best Expert Trusted Lactose-Free Formula Milk
Best Lactose-Free Formula Milk Brands Available Online | S-26
One of the most recommended formula milk brands by pediatricians is Wyeth’s S-26. The brand also offers a lactose-free formula milk for babies aged 0 to 12 months. S-26 Gold Lactose-Free Milk is specially formulated for babies with lactose intolerance and other minor tummy problems. It contains whey protein concentrate from cow’s milk, which is a good source of calcium.
Moreover, this formula milk is rich in vitamins and minerals essential for babies’ growth and development. Overall, S-26 Gold Lactose-Free Milk is worth every penny!
Features we love:
- Lactose-free formula
- Whey protein concentrate
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
Price Comparison Table
|
Brand |
Pack size |
Price |
Price per gram |
Similac |
800 g |
Php 1,964.00 |
Php 2.46 |
Isomil |
850 g |
Php 1,542.00 |
Php 1.81 |
Bonna |
180 g |
Php 219.00 |
Php 1.22 |
Nestogen |
400 g |
Php 416.00 |
Php 1.04 |
NAN |
800 g |
Php 1,854.00 |
Php 2.32 |
S-26 |
400 g |
Php 888.00 |
Php 2.22 |
Note: Each item and price is up to date as of publication, however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
How to choose the best lactose-free formula milk
First of all, if you suspect your child to have trouble digesting milk, please talk to her/his pediatrician right away. It could possibly be lactose intolerance, but then it could also be something else.
Make sure to find out the root cause of the problem first. Now if you and your doctor are aligned in giving your child lactose-free milk, then that’s the time you should look into it. Here are some pointers in selecting one:
- Brand – What is the brand name?
- Ingredients – What does it contain?
- Benefits – What are the advantages of this milk?
Babies need a lot of nutrients to support their growth and development, especially this is their formative years. And parents, another thing you should also look into are vitamins. Check out: Best Vitamins for Babies