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Lactase

Overview

Lactase is an enzyme. Like other enzymes, it is needed for a specific biochemical reaction in the body. The biochemical reaction that involves lactase breaks down lactose, a sugar in milk and milk products. Some people’s bodies do not make enough lactase, so they are not able to digest milk well. These people are said to have “lactase deficiency” and are called “lactose intolerant.” They can take supplemental lactase to help them break down lactose and tolerate milk. In these people lactase can prevent symptoms of lactose intolerance including cramps, diarrhea, and gas.

Many health experts think it’s important to treat lactose intolerance so people can consume milk and milk products. Milk is a major source of calcium, which is needed for strong bones. People who do not get enough milk are more likely than other people to develop weak bones (osteoporosis).

Classification

Is a Form of:

Enzyme

Primary Functions:

Treat lactose intolerance

Also Known As:

Beta-galactosidase, Bêta-Galactosidase, Lactasa

How Does It Work?

People who are lactose intolerant have trouble digesting the milk sugar lactose. Lactase is an enzyme that splits the milk sugar lactose, to produce the sugars glucose and galactose.

Uses

  • Preventing symptoms of lactose intolerance, such as cramps, diarrhea and gas, when milk products or lactose are taken by people with lactose intolerance.Lactase can be taken before consuming lactose or it can be added to milk.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

  • For lactose intolerance: the typical dose of lactase is 6000-9000 IU tablets chewed and swallowed at the start of a meal that contains lactose. 2000 IU of the solution added to 500 mL of milk immediately before drinking it has also been used.

Lactase Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What do lactase supplements do?

This product is an enzyme supplement used to help people who have trouble digesting milk and other dairy products (lactose intolerance). Lactase enzyme is normally produced by the body to help break down (digest) lactose. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body produces low amounts of lactase enzyme.

Can you take lactase supplements?

Lactase supplements are considered safe and well-tolerated with no known side effects. However, people with diabetes need to use lactase supplements with caution. Once ingested, lactase is broken down into simple sugars that can increase your blood glucose level.

What is the best lactase supplement?

Lactase supplements come in many forms these days, the most popular one being Lactaid. Stollman says that tablets can be taken just before a meal or snack containing lactose. “The enzyme supplement will act just like the enzyme lactase, which we naturally produce, but may not have enough of.”

Can you take lactase everyday?

LACTAID® Dietary Supplements should be used every time you eat foods containing dairy. They can be taken every day, with every meal, and should be taken with your first bite or sip of dairy. Take as directed on package.

Is it safe to take lactase enzymes everyday?

Possible Side Effects

Lactase supplements are considered safe and well-tolerated with no known side effects. However, people with diabetes need to use lactase supplements with caution. Once ingested, lactase is broken down into simple sugars that can increase your blood glucose level.

Does lactase have side effects?

Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you develop hives, rash, shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, or the swelling of the face, tongue, or throat after taking a lactase supplement.

How many Lactase tablets should I take?

For lactose intolerance: the typical dose of lactase is 6000-9000 IU tablets chewed and swallowed at the start of a meal that contains lactose. 2000 IU of the solution added to 500 mL of milk immediately before drinking it has also been used.

Why do lactase pills not work for me?

Are you taking the lactase too far ahead of time? Lactase must be physically in contact with lactose for it to work. Don't take the lactose pill before leaving home for the restaurant or ice cream store. It will be too late if the lactase needs to be digested 30 minutes or an hour later.

How do you stop lactose intolerance pain?

Lactose intolerance may not be curable, but there are ways you can manage your symptoms.

  • Eat smaller portion sizes. Some people with lactose intolerancecan handle a small amount of dairy.
  • Take lactase enzyme tablets.
  • Take probiotics.
  • Eliminate types of dairy.
  • Try lactose-free products.

Are lactase pills bad for you?

Lactase supplements are considered safe and well-tolerated with no known side effects. However, people with diabetes need to use lactase supplements with caution. Once ingested, lactase is broken down into simple sugars that can increase your blood glucose level.

Why does lactose free milk hurt my stomach?

If you're lactose intolerant, a glass of milk or a bowl of creamy soup can give you intestinal trouble like cramps, gas, diarrhea, or bloating. That's because your small intestine isn't making enough of the enzyme lactase. A milk allergy can cause stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea, too.

How do you increase lactase enzymes naturally?

Eat dairy foods as part of a meal, such as a cup of milk over cereal with fruit. If necessary, use over-the-counter digestive aids. Eat yogurts. "Yogurts are very well tolerated because they contain a lactase that helps digest lactose in the intestine."

When should a lactase supplement be taken?

The standard dose of lactase enzyme is 6,000 to 9,000 international units (IU) to be taken immediately before a dairy-containing meal. It is always advised to start at a low dose and increase the dose incrementally.

Which foods contain lactase?

The American College of Gastroenterology says foods that may be harboring lactase include:

  • Baked goods, including breads and processed breakfast cereals.
  • Breakfast foods, drinks and instant potatoes.
  • Margarine and non-kosher lunch meats.
  • Condiments, such as salad dressings.
  • Snack foods such as candy.

Why is my lactose intolerance getting worse?

The symptoms of lactose intolerance can start during childhood or adolescence and tend to get worse with age. The severity of symptoms is usually proportional to the amount of the milk sugar ingested with more symptoms following a meal with higher milk sugar content.

How do you increase lactase?

Eat dairy foods as part of a meal, such as a cup of milk over cereal with fruit. If necessary, use over-the-counter digestive aids. Eat yogurts. "Yogurts are very well tolerated because they contain a lactase that helps digest lactose in the intestine."

What is the difference between lactase and lactose?

Lactose-free milk is a commercial milk product that is free of lactose. Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk products that can be difficult for some people to digest (1). Lactase is an enzyme produced by people who tolerate dairy products, which breaks down lactose in the body.

Can lactase cause diarrhea?

Taking lactase enzyme with milk products as directed can help prevent upset stomach, abdominal bloating/cramping, gas, and diarrhea caused by these products. The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Does lactose free milk have more sugar?

If they've taken the lactose out of it, how come it still contains about 5 percent sugar -- the same as in whole milk? The answer is that lactose-free milk is made not by removing the lactose but by adding the enzyme lactase.

Clinical Studies