Dairy-free food OPTIONS

What calcium-rich, dairy-free foods can I give my five-year-old son? I've read that lactose intolerance is rising in urban children.

- DR. SHIVANGI BORA

Food intolerance and allergies are common in children. Therefore, instead of avoiding foods, parents need to introduce children to different types of food early to prevent gut intolerance. While it's true that lactose intolerance is rising in urban children, it's often misdiagnosed by parents. I highly recommend that parents confirm the diagnosis by an allergist or paediatrician to prevent children from being deprived of foods rich in calcium and Vitamin D, essential for their growth and development. Lactose-intolerant children can try plant-based milk products like soy, almond milk, yogurt, as well as nuts, figs, ragi, egg, cheese and meat, which are rich in calcium.

— Hanitha Arvind, Hyderabad