IBS

[talkhealth]

My daughter is 13 and has IBS and is lactose intolerant her digestive transit is very quick and I feel she is not getting the essential nutrition from her food due to this, is there anyway I can slow it down so she can absorb the nutrients from her food?
Many thanks

[Julie Thompson]

Hi

One way of reducing diarrhoea (fast transit) is to try a dietary modification. Please don't be tempted to do this without help, as it is really important your daughter is given the correct advice - not having the correct diet can affect children's growth. A lactose-free diet will help and lactose-free cows milk is the best option as it contains a good level of calcium and we absorb the calcium slightly better from animal milk than plant milk. Lactose is found in other milk-based foods also. She may have other food intolerances too if you have tried a lactose-free diet and she is still having symptoms. We do have some paediatric dietitians (specialists who see children) who can provide low fodmap diets for children. Ask your GP to refer her to one.

Another alternative is to go for a private consultation if you struggle to get a referral from your GP. Please see this website and search for dietitians who will see children https://freelancedietitians.org/