How do lactase pills work?

People who are sensitive or intolerant to lactose are looking for a way to be able to consume dairy products without suffering from stomach discomfort. Most people occasionally take lactase pills, but what exactly are they for?

Lactase is a digestive enzyme involved in the breakdown of lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This enzyme is produced in the lining of the small intestine, it breaks down lactose into smaller sugar molecules (known as glucose and galactose ) so that it can be digested. If we have lactose intolerance, it is because we are not able to produce enough lactase on our own.

Taking lactase pills, available in tablets, chewables, and other forms, can reduce or prevent many of the symptoms that occur when someone with lactose intolerance consumes dairy, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, and gas.

What is lactase?

Lactase is an enzyme produced by humans (and many other mammals and organisms) in the small intestine. Lactase enzymes (sometimes also called lactase-phlorizin hydrolase) are essential for the proper digestion of dairy products, including milk. This is because this enzyme breaks down lactose, a sugar naturally found in milk that contributes to its sweetness.

The specific location in the small intestine where lactase is produced is called the “brush border,” which is made up of cells that line the walls of the small intestine (intestinal epithelial cells). These cells have tiny finger-like microvilli that absorb nutrients from food so they can pass into the bloodstream and disperse as needed.

Lactase itself is not found in food , but lactose (a type of sugar) is. Some examples of foods rich in lactose are animal milk, yogurt, ricotta cheese, whey protein powders, or puddings.

Recommended dose

In addition to capsules and chewables, lactase supplements are sold in powder and drop form. These can be safely stored at room temperature in a sealed container. We should never use a supplement after its expiration date.

The standard dose is 6,000 to 9,000 international units (IU) taken immediately before a meal containing dairy products. Others have found that adding 2,000 IU of powdered lactase to two cups (500 milliliters) of milk can help ease symptoms.

As a general rule, we will start with a low dose and gradually increase until the desired control is achieved. While we can’t overdose on lactase, taking smaller amounts can reduce the impact on blood sugar and help save money.

We will always make sure to take a lactase supplement before the first bite. If we eat for more than 20 to 30 minutes (for example, at a wedding reception), we will take another dose of 2000 mg during the meal to extend the protective benefit. It is advised not to exceed six tablets a day.

However, just because we’re taking a lactase supplement doesn’t mean we’re mindlessly consuming dairy. If we are lactose intolerant, it is important to control consumption, omitting cream, cheese or extra milk whenever possible.

Benefits

These are some of the functions and advantages of taking lactase pills.

Helps with dairy digestion

The most important job that the lactase enzyme has is to catalyze the breakdown of lactose (a disaccharide milk sugar), turning it into simple sugars called glucose and galactose.

When mutations occur in the genes that control lactase production, resulting in less production, lactase deficiency (a form of lactose intolerance) develops. This results in the inability to digest lactose. Lactose that is not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract undergoes fermentation in the colon by bacteria. This leads to symptoms such as increased gas production, bloating, diarrhea, pain, and general intestinal discomfort.

There are three types of lactose intolerance that can prevent proper digestion: primary, secondary, and congenital or developmental.

Turn milk into energy

Lactase production is usually highest in humans during infancy, since milk (breast or formula) is normally the only food that babies consume. High lactase production helps babies and infants absorb the sugars and other nutrients available in milk.

However, as humans age, the ability to produce enough lactase declines. The enzyme lactase converts lactose into glucose and galactose, simpler sugars that adults can also use for energy. These sugars also combine with protein, healthy fats, and many vitamins and minerals within (whole) milk, making it a nutrient-dense food for those who can tolerate it.

mujer con pastillas de lactasa

What is it for?

It is estimated that about 70% of the world’s population is lactase deficient, with the highest prevalence found among people of East Asian, West African, Arab, Jewish, Greek, or Italian descent.

Rarely, lactose intolerance can occur at birth, a condition known as congenital lactase deficiency . But experts now understand that a gradual decline in the ability to produce lactase after early childhood is a very common human trait and the most common cause of intolerance.

Fortunately, most people with lactase deficiency never develop symptoms of lactose intolerance. But for those who do, symptoms can range from mild to significant, and typically occur within half an hour to a few hours after eating dairy products.

Lactase tablets (taken before meals) can help these people consume more dairy products, allowing them to meet their dietary needs for calcium, as well as help them overcome symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance

Despite the benefits of lactase pills, there remains a dearth of research demonstrating their effects. Although scientists agree that supplements are safe, there has not always been a consensus on how well they work.

According to science, lactase tablets show clear superiority in relieving lactose intolerance compared to the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri.

However, there may be other factors that contribute to the inability to metabolize lactose or, alternatively, that other types of lactase may be needed to metabolize lactose in certain people.

bone health

Lactase pills themselves cannot improve bone health directly. But because they can help lactose-intolerant people eat more dairy without consequence, they can make it easier to consume adequate amounts of calcium. This, of course, can help build and maintain healthy bones while reducing the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis.

According to one study, when people with lactose intolerance avoid or reduce dairy, they risk bone loss and fractures . But the intolerance itself does not significantly affect the ability of adults to absorb calcium (the same goes for lactase deficiency).

It is recommended that everyone, including those with lactose intolerance, consume three servings of dairy products daily. Lactase pills can help us achieve this.

Possible Side Effects

Lactase tablets are considered safe and well tolerated with no known side effects.

However, people with diabetes should use lactase supplements with caution. Once ingested, lactase breaks down into simple sugars that can raise blood glucose levels. Although this may not cause any significant problems, it is important to check your blood sugar level 20 to 30 minutes after taking a dose to be safe.

Rarely, lactase supplements have been known to trigger allergic reactions . If this occurs, we will call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if we develop hives, rash, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat after taking a medicine. lactase supplement. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to shock, coma, respiratory or heart failure, and death.

Lactase supplements should not be used by pregnant or lactating women as there is not enough information to guarantee their safety. It is also unknown if lactase supplements may interact with other medications or supplements.