“Does dairy cause constipation?”
My toddler has been very constipated lately, and I think it has to do with dairy. She drinks a lot of milk, and I introduced more dairy into her diet. Is it possible that the dairy is causing constipation?
6 Answers
No, ingestion of dairy in general is not associated with constipation.
Yes, if toddlers drink over 16 oz/day, they can get constipated and also anemic. Should definitely cut back on the milk at this age and offer more fruits and vegetables.
If you have lactose intolerance you usually have diarrhea with dairy. If not too much milk and cheese can cause constipation esp if she is not getting enough fiber in the diet or enough fruits and vegetables
Dairy usually causes diarrhea and bloating, may cause constipation sometimes. Take her to her doctor, please.
Dairy products tend to be constipating. However, they are a great source of several nutrients that are low in other foods. The ideal diet is balanced with enough fruits and vegetables, which produce softer stools to counter balance the dairy intake. That is why the term used is a balanced diet. The appropriate diet would have the recommended amounts of dairy, but not too much with the other recommended foods in their recommended amounts.
Mark R. Corkins, M.D., S.P.R., C.N.S.C., F.A.S.P.E.N., A.G.A.F., F.A.A.P.
Mark R. Corkins, M.D., S.P.R., C.N.S.C., F.A.S.P.E.N., A.G.A.F., F.A.A.P.
Constipation is very common at this age. While about 5% of patients with dairy intolerance or allergy can present with constipation, it can still present in this age group for other reasons. Excluding milk for 2-3 weeks from his diet can help you exclude milk as the cause.
However, dietary changes with increased fiber, and fluid intake can help. If no improvement can consult with a Pediatric gastroenterologist for treatment with medications such as miralax.
However, dietary changes with increased fiber, and fluid intake can help. If no improvement can consult with a Pediatric gastroenterologist for treatment with medications such as miralax.
