Lactase supplements can reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance by replacing the missing enzyme needed to break down lactose. They are made by culturing lactase in fungi or yeast and should only be taken with a doctor’s recommendation. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include stomach upset, bloating, and diarrhea. Lactase supplements may not alleviate symptoms of dairy allergy or non-lactase related food intolerance. Rice milk and soy milk can be used as substitutes for dairy milk.
A lactase supplement is an oral supplement that can reduce symptoms associated with lactose intolerance. The supplement replaces a lactose intolerant body’s missing enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose found in dairy products. Commercial lactase extracts are made by culturing the lactase in media containing fungi or yeast. While the supplements are available without a prescription, they should not be taken without a doctor’s recommendation.
Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and buttermilk. Lactase is the enzyme needed to digest or break down sugar so that it can be absorbed in the small intestine. Lactase is produced naturally in the human body, but some people do not produce enough lactase to fully digest lactose. Undigested lactose can cause stomach upset, bloating, abdominal cramps, gas, and diarrhea.
A lactase supplement may help reduce lactose intolerance symptoms in people who naturally produce limited amounts of the enzyme. The use of oral lactase may allow them to drink milk and eat foods like ice cream and cheese without discomfort. The supplement may not alleviate symptoms associated with any type of dairy allergy or a non-lactase related food intolerance.
Most lactase supplements are produced by culturing the lactase enzyme in Kluyveromyces fragilis or Kluyveromyces lactis yeast media. Lactase can also be grown in media including Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus oryzae fungi. All media are kept in a sterile environment to produce a safe oral form of the lactase enzyme.
There are no known side effects associated with taking an oral lactase supplement, although it should not be taken without a doctor’s recommendation. Lactose intolerance symptoms are similar to symptoms of other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, so it’s important to get a lactose intolerance diagnosis before attempting to resolve symptoms with a lactase supplement.
An oral lactase supplement may be helpful for some, but lactose intolerance is different for every patient. Some can still eat small amounts of dairy without needing a supplement, while others need a supplement, or two, if any dairy is to be consumed. Those who do not find relief through a lactase supplement may try dairy milk alternatives including rice milk or soy milk as a substitute for dairy milk in the diet. While rice milk and soy milk do not naturally contain the same nutrients as dairy milk, they are often fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
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