Wizard of Vitamins

Lactase Vitamin

What is Lactase?

Lactase is the enzyme in the small intestine that digests lactose (the naturally occurring sugar in milk).

Lactase in Diets

Lactase is produced by the body. Dairy products have varying levels of lactose, which affects how much lactase is required for proper digestion. Milk, ice cream, and yogurt contain significant amounts of lactose although for complex reasons yogurt often doesn’t trigger symptoms in lactose-intolerant people.

Lactase Medicinal Treatments

Diarrhea (for lactose-intolerant people) Indigestion and heartburn (for lactose-intolerant people) Irritable bowel syndrome (for lactose-intolerant people) Lactose intolerance

Known Consequences of Lactase Deficiency

Only one-third of all people retain the ability to digest lactose into adulthood. Most individuals of Asian, African, and Native American descent are lactose intolerant. In addition, half of Hispanics and about 20 percent of Caucasians do not produce lactase as adults.

Lactase Recommended Dosages

Lactose-reduced milk is available and can be used in the same quantities as regular milk. Lactase drops can be added to regular milk 24 hours before drinking to reduce lactose levels. Lactase drops, capsules, and tablets can also be taken directly, as needed, immediately before a meal that includes lactose-containing dairy products. The degree of lactose intolerance varies by individual, so a greater or lesser amount of lactase may be needed to eliminate symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Lactase Side Effects

Lactase is safe and does not produce side effects. Some, but not all, studies suggest that lactose-intolerant individuals absorb less calcium. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with lactase.