What happens after you have apparently outgrown an intolerance?

[SixImpossible]

About 6y ago I realised that two of my dc were dairy-intolerant. Cutting out dairy transformed our lives. Every 6-12m I trialled reintroducing dairy. Eventually they stopped reacting to small amounts, only responding to large amounts (eg having dairy several days running).

Now I think they have stopped responding at all. I'm pretty sure that they are lactase-deficient, though.

So where do I go from here? Can they have as much dairy as they like, whenever they like? Or are they at risk of becoming intolerant again?

[Waltonswatcher]

Read The Complete Guide to Allergy and Intolerance.
It has simply tonnes of info on these issues , its worth investing in .

[SixImpossible]

I have a copy somewhere but it's probably over ten years old. Would it be out of date by now?

[Waltonswatcher]

It's been updated but I think it's still the same , with a few extras . My copy is off on lone to a friend .
There is a section on reintroduction . Also it delves into great detail about wether or not to introduce the allergen, pros and cons .
Dig it out and confuse yourself even more !!!
Seriously though , it's my go to for everything now, trust it more than my gp !

[SixImpossible]

Argh - I cannot find it!

[wanderinglonelyasacloud]

Have you had much success with this? My son has been on a long programme of dairy re-introduction which is going brilliantly, although v slow but I think that's they key. He did have an allergy though rather than intolerance so maybe you can do it differently. It might also depend on whether they are intolerant to the lactose or the protein. In our case it was protein and we started from a crumb of shortbread twice a day (because baked butter was the most digestible form) to eating a shortbread biscuit without reaction. Then we moved onto milk powder in crisps and other foods such as cereals/bread/pastry, to then eating cooked cheese and baked milk (the heating process breaks down the protein). He can now (after two years) eat grated raw cheese, Olivio butter and most butter spreads and this summer he has even had a mini milk, as the freezing process also breaks it down but you have to be aware they maybe added raw milk to ice cream. It has been well worth the effort. I hope that helps. Sorry if too long winded!

Also, from our experience with allergies, re-sensitisation can happen if they haven't had it for a while, as the body doesn't recognise it and treats it as an allergen (so the advice we were given was at least 3 times a week, or every day if on a desensitisation programme) or if they are unwell and the immune system is affected. It happened to us with fish, v v annoying!!

[simpson]

DD (6) is now on the reintroduction phase of dairy/soya.

Tbh she can one finally eat a biscuit with dairy or soya in it, have melted cheese (but not raw cheese yet) and had a ( small yogurt) yesterday & seems fine.

However, this phase has taken ages and we are going v slowly. I still wouldn't give her milk (except lacto free ) or "raw" cheese.

But there has been a massive improvement in 6 months.

[allisgood1]

Following.

[Maymay07]

I have 2 girls aged 7 & 13. Both formally diagnosed with milk protein, milk lactose and Soya and banana PLUS many food intolerances.
If like mine children know or grow to know their limits with our love and support.
My eldest now has real butter on her toast 3/4 times a week, full fat milk drained off her cereal 3/4 times a week and chocolate on a Saturday night. She is allowed a hot chocolate approx once a month (menstrual). If she goes over she will get a head ache and tummy ache and feel sick.
My youngest does not eat butter on toast nor has any milk, yogurts, ice cream etc.. Her downfall is Nutella on her toast. If she has too much then she gets constipated. She still can't have banana, tomatoes, onions and others.
My children instinctively know what what not to eat. At first I thought they were been fussy but as I trusted them I realised they know best, I.e, I cut up some water melon for them last week and told them to eat it (mothers hey!) eldest complained but complied. She had one bite and felt sick all day. Youngest hates it anyway.
Yes, there will be set backs. I'd say to you that if you have any worries still that get back in touch with the hospital to have a chat with the Paediatric Dietician.
Good luck.