Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesDeficiencyHow to Take LactaseSide EffectsPrecautionsSimilar SupplementsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Deficiency
How to Take Lactase
Side Effects
Precautions
Similar Supplements
Sources & What to Look For
Lactase is a digestiveenzymeinvolved in the breakdown of lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. People with lactose intolerance cannot produce enough lactase on their own.
A lack of lactase often causes uncomfortable side effects like diarrhea,bloating,stomach pain, andnauseaafter consuming dairy.Taking lactase supplements may reduce or prevent many of these symptoms for people with lactase deficiency,lactose intolerance, or other conditions affecting the digestion oflactose.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Uses of Lactase
People with lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, or sensitivity to lactose may benefit from using lactase enzymes.However, it’s important to note that lactase supplements would not be useful for someone with amilk protein allergybecause it’s not the same as lactose intolerance.
Although lactase is mostly used to prevent symptoms of lactose intolerance, it has also been studied for its role in bone health.
Lactose Intolerance
While lactase enzymes cannot cure lactose intolerance, they may be able to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with eating dairy. However, even though scientists agree that lactase supplements are safe, there has not always been a consensus on how well they work.
A 2014 study reported significant variability in response to lactase supplementation. Of the 96 adults given a lactase supplement, 22% showed complete normalization on ahydrogen breath testused to evaluate lactose intolerance, while 18% were fully non-responsive.
A pair of studies from 2020 and 2021 further indicated that lactase enzyme supplements appear to be an appropriate treatment option for those with lactose intolerance.
It should be noted that many people with lactose intolerance have additional food sensitivities or allergies. For example, people withirritable bowel syndrome (IBS)may find it best to avoid food containing lactose and other aggravating ingredients.
Essentially, other factors may contribute to being unable to metabolize lactose. Despite the positive results for lactase enzymes, some people may need to use other treatment options for their lactose intolerance. Work with your healthcare provider to find the best option for you.
5 Natural Remedies for Lactose Intolerance
Bone Health
Lactase supplements cannot improve bone health directly. However, lactase can help people who are lactose intolerant eat more dairy without side effects. According to a 2019 study, avoiding or cutting back on dairy due to lactose intolerance can put people at risk for bone loss and fractures (broken bones).
This is because they are not getting enoughcalcium. Eating enough calcium can help build and maintain healthy bones while reducing the risk ofbone lossand osteoporosis.
Results on whether lactose intolerance leads to osteoporosis have been conflicting.It should be noted that neither lactose intolerance nor lactase deficiency significantly affects the ability to absorb calcium.
People who have difficulty digesting lactose can still absorb calcium from dairy products. It is recommended that everyone—including those with lactose intolerance—consume three servings ofdairyper day.Lactase supplements may be able to help you get there.
3 Natural Ways to Prevent Bone Loss
Lactase Deficiency
According to a 2019 study, around 70% of the world’s population is lactase deficient, with the highest prevalence among people of East Asian, West African, Arab, Jewish, Greek, or Italian descent.
However, not everyone deficient in lactase has lactose intolerance. A deficiency can mean levels of lactase are lower than normal, but still present. And lactose intolerance only occurs when symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain appear.
Lactase deficiency can appear over time as you age. It can also be diagnosed during childhood or even at birth.
It should be noted that lactase deficiency does not always result in lactose intolerance. Sometimes, lactase levels never get low enough to cause lactose intolerance.
What Causes a Lactase Deficiency?
Lactase deficiencies can be genetic, but this is not always the case. There are four possible causes of lactase deficiency, with two being genetics-related.
Two genetic causes of lactase deficiency include:
There are also two non-genetic causes of lactase deficiency:
How Do I Know If I Have a Lactase Deficiency?
A lactase deficiency may cause various symptoms alerting you to a problem.
The severity of your deficiency and the underlying cause may worsen symptoms. For example, a person with lactose non-persistence may tolerate some amounts and types of dairy products without experiencing any symptoms.
However, if you have any of the following symptoms within a few hours after consuming dairy, then it may be time to get an official diagnosis:
To officially diagnose lactose intolerance, a healthcare provider may want to perform various tests, including a physical exam and a hydrogen breath test.
You may risk worsening symptoms if a lactase deficiency or lactose intolerance goes undiagnosed. Excessive diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, while gas and stomach pain can be highly uncomfortable.
Speak with a healthcare provider if you think you have a lactase deficiency.
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Lactase doses can vary from 3,000 to 6,000 international units (IU) taken immediately before a meal containing dairy.You may need a lactase dose outside of this range.
Lactase supplement dosage can vary and may depend on a few factors, such as:
For example, Lactaid supplements (a lactase supplement brand) contain 9,000 units of the active enzyme, while Lacdigest (another lactase supplement brand) contains just 2,250 units.
It may be helpful to start at a low dose and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired control. There is no evidence suggesting lactase can be toxic if too much is taken and side effects are unlikely, but your healthcare provider should be able to assist you in finding the correct lactase dose.
When Should I Take Lactase?
Be sure to follow the directions when taking lactase supplements. It is recommended to take a lactase supplement before consuming dairy products.
It may be necessary to take an additional dose of lactase if you plan to eat over a period longer than 20 to 30 minutes (say, at a picnic or banquet).
Is It Safe to Take Lactase Enzyme Every Day?Yes, it is safe to take lactase enzyme supplements every day, even before meals. Typically, lactase enzymes will be taken before any meal or snack containing dairy. But be sure to use lactase enzymes as directed.
Is It Safe to Take Lactase Enzyme Every Day?
Yes, it is safe to take lactase enzyme supplements every day, even before meals. Typically, lactase enzymes will be taken before any meal or snack containing dairy. But be sure to use lactase enzymes as directed.
Does Lactase Have Side Effects?
Side effects of taking lactase supplements are not common. Although rare, lactase supplements can trigger an allergic reaction.
There have been a few cases of lactase causing a severe reaction that requires emergency care. In one of these reported cases, a 48-year-old person experienced a severe, whole-body allergy known as anaphylaxis after taking lactase.
Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you develop any of the followingsymptoms of anaphylactic shockafter taking a lactase supplement:Hives or rashShortness of breath or wheezingDizziness or lightheadednessRapid heart rateSwellingof the face, tongue, or throat
Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you develop any of the followingsymptoms of anaphylactic shockafter taking a lactase supplement:
It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting lactase supplements. Lactase supplements may not be suitable for certain people in different life stages, with various health conditions, and those with allergies.
Do not take lactase supplements if you are allergic to any of the active or inactive ingredients.
It is best for people who are pregnant or nursing to speak with a healthcare provider before using lactase supplements.Evidence on whether lactase is safe for these populations is limited, so your healthcare provider may advise against taking it.
You may be able to use other supplements in place of or in addition to lactase enzymes.
You may be able to use these supplements and other lifestyle changes to treat symptoms of lactose intolerance or lactase deficiency. Collaborate with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan for you.
How to Relieve Lactose Intolerance Pain
Sources of Lactase and What to Look For
Lactase is not widely found in food. Typically, your body makes lactase for you. But if you cannot make enough lactase, you may need to use a supplement.
Lactase supplements like Lactaid contain the digestive enzyme lactase. Your body needs lactase to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products.
Lactase supplements are sold in many forms, including:
Widely available for purchase online, lactase supplements can also be found in various grocery stores, drugstores, and shops specializing in dietary supplements. You do not need a prescription to buy lactase supplements.
Lactase is not derived from dairy, so taking supplements is not a concern if you are vegan. However, the coating that makes up some capsules may be made of animal-derived gelatin. If this is a concern, look for products labeled as vegan.
Summary
Lactase supplements are generally recognized as safe and come with few potential side effects, precautions, or interactions. Your dose of lactase supplements may depend on the severity of your lactose intolerance symptoms, your dairy intake, and the brand of supplement.
If you are thinking of starting a lactase enzyme supplement, speak with a healthcare provider to find the best dosage and brand for you.
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19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of lactose intolerance.Lomer MC.Review article: the aetiology, diagnosis, mechanisms and clinical evidence for food intolerance.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015;41(3):262-275. doi:10.1111/apt.13041.Hodges JK, Cao S, Cladis DP, Weaver CM.Lactose intolerance and bone health: the challenge of ensuring adequate calcium intake.Nutrients. 2019;11(4):718. doi:10.3390/nu11040718.Ibba I, Gilli A, Boi MF, Usai P.Effects of exogenous lactase administration on hydrogen breath excretion and intestinal symptoms in patients presenting lactose malabsorption and intolerance.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:e680196. doi:10.1155/2014/680196.Baijal R, Tandon RK.Effect of lactase on symptoms and hydrogen breath levels in lactose intolerance: A crossover placebo-controlled study.JGH Open. 2020 Dec 1;5(1):143-148. doi:10.1002/jgh3.12463.Catanzaro R, Sciuto M, Marotta F.Lactose intolerance: an update on its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.Nutr Res. 2021;89:23-34. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2021.02.003.Di Costanzo M, Berni Canani R.Lactose intolerance: common misunderstandings.Ann Nutr Metab. 2018;73(Suppl 4):30-37. doi:10.1159/000493669National Institutes of Health’s Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center.What people with lactose intolerance need to know about osteoporosis.U.S. Department of Agriculture.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020-2025.Forsgard R.Lactose digestion in humans: intestinal lactase appears to be constitutive whereas the colonic microbiome is adaptable.Am J Clin Nutr.2019;110(2):273-279. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqz104Misselwitz B, Butter M, Verbeke K, Fox MR.Update on lactose malabsorption and intolerance: pathogenesis, diagnosis and clinical management.Gut. 2019;68(11):2080-2091. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318404National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Diagnosis of lactose intolerance.Ianiro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, Gasbarrini A, Cammarota G.Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases.Curr Drug Metab. 2016;17(2):187-193. doi:10.2174/138920021702160114150137Lohrenz SK, Kanani A.The cow’s milk allergy that wasn’t: allergy to supplemental oral lactase enzyme.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2023 Jul 14;19(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s13223-023-00809-z.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Treatment for lactose intolerance.Ibrahim SA, Gyawali R, Awaisheh SS, et al.Fermented foods and probiotics: an approach to lactose intolerance.Journal of Dairy Research. 2021;88(3):357-365. doi:10.1017/S0022029921000625Leis R, de Castro MJ, de Lamas C, Picáns R, Couce ML.Effects of Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplementation on Lactase Deficiency and Lactose Intolerance: A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials.Nutrients. 2020 May 20;12(5):1487. doi: 10.3390/nu12051487.MedlinePlus.Lactose Intolerance.
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of lactose intolerance.Lomer MC.Review article: the aetiology, diagnosis, mechanisms and clinical evidence for food intolerance.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015;41(3):262-275. doi:10.1111/apt.13041.Hodges JK, Cao S, Cladis DP, Weaver CM.Lactose intolerance and bone health: the challenge of ensuring adequate calcium intake.Nutrients. 2019;11(4):718. doi:10.3390/nu11040718.Ibba I, Gilli A, Boi MF, Usai P.Effects of exogenous lactase administration on hydrogen breath excretion and intestinal symptoms in patients presenting lactose malabsorption and intolerance.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:e680196. doi:10.1155/2014/680196.Baijal R, Tandon RK.Effect of lactase on symptoms and hydrogen breath levels in lactose intolerance: A crossover placebo-controlled study.JGH Open. 2020 Dec 1;5(1):143-148. doi:10.1002/jgh3.12463.Catanzaro R, Sciuto M, Marotta F.Lactose intolerance: an update on its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.Nutr Res. 2021;89:23-34. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2021.02.003.Di Costanzo M, Berni Canani R.Lactose intolerance: common misunderstandings.Ann Nutr Metab. 2018;73(Suppl 4):30-37. doi:10.1159/000493669National Institutes of Health’s Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center.What people with lactose intolerance need to know about osteoporosis.U.S. Department of Agriculture.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020-2025.Forsgard R.Lactose digestion in humans: intestinal lactase appears to be constitutive whereas the colonic microbiome is adaptable.Am J Clin Nutr.2019;110(2):273-279. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqz104Misselwitz B, Butter M, Verbeke K, Fox MR.Update on lactose malabsorption and intolerance: pathogenesis, diagnosis and clinical management.Gut. 2019;68(11):2080-2091. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318404National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Diagnosis of lactose intolerance.Ianiro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, Gasbarrini A, Cammarota G.Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases.Curr Drug Metab. 2016;17(2):187-193. doi:10.2174/138920021702160114150137Lohrenz SK, Kanani A.The cow’s milk allergy that wasn’t: allergy to supplemental oral lactase enzyme.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2023 Jul 14;19(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s13223-023-00809-z.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Treatment for lactose intolerance.Ibrahim SA, Gyawali R, Awaisheh SS, et al.Fermented foods and probiotics: an approach to lactose intolerance.Journal of Dairy Research. 2021;88(3):357-365. doi:10.1017/S0022029921000625Leis R, de Castro MJ, de Lamas C, Picáns R, Couce ML.Effects of Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplementation on Lactase Deficiency and Lactose Intolerance: A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials.Nutrients. 2020 May 20;12(5):1487. doi: 10.3390/nu12051487.MedlinePlus.Lactose Intolerance.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of lactose intolerance.Lomer MC.Review article: the aetiology, diagnosis, mechanisms and clinical evidence for food intolerance.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015;41(3):262-275. doi:10.1111/apt.13041.Hodges JK, Cao S, Cladis DP, Weaver CM.Lactose intolerance and bone health: the challenge of ensuring adequate calcium intake.Nutrients. 2019;11(4):718. doi:10.3390/nu11040718.Ibba I, Gilli A, Boi MF, Usai P.Effects of exogenous lactase administration on hydrogen breath excretion and intestinal symptoms in patients presenting lactose malabsorption and intolerance.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:e680196. doi:10.1155/2014/680196.Baijal R, Tandon RK.Effect of lactase on symptoms and hydrogen breath levels in lactose intolerance: A crossover placebo-controlled study.JGH Open. 2020 Dec 1;5(1):143-148. doi:10.1002/jgh3.12463.Catanzaro R, Sciuto M, Marotta F.Lactose intolerance: an update on its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.Nutr Res. 2021;89:23-34. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2021.02.003.Di Costanzo M, Berni Canani R.Lactose intolerance: common misunderstandings.Ann Nutr Metab. 2018;73(Suppl 4):30-37. doi:10.1159/000493669National Institutes of Health’s Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center.What people with lactose intolerance need to know about osteoporosis.U.S. Department of Agriculture.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020-2025.Forsgard R.Lactose digestion in humans: intestinal lactase appears to be constitutive whereas the colonic microbiome is adaptable.Am J Clin Nutr.2019;110(2):273-279. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqz104Misselwitz B, Butter M, Verbeke K, Fox MR.Update on lactose malabsorption and intolerance: pathogenesis, diagnosis and clinical management.Gut. 2019;68(11):2080-2091. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318404National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Diagnosis of lactose intolerance.Ianiro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, Gasbarrini A, Cammarota G.Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases.Curr Drug Metab. 2016;17(2):187-193. doi:10.2174/138920021702160114150137Lohrenz SK, Kanani A.The cow’s milk allergy that wasn’t: allergy to supplemental oral lactase enzyme.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2023 Jul 14;19(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s13223-023-00809-z.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Treatment for lactose intolerance.Ibrahim SA, Gyawali R, Awaisheh SS, et al.Fermented foods and probiotics: an approach to lactose intolerance.Journal of Dairy Research. 2021;88(3):357-365. doi:10.1017/S0022029921000625Leis R, de Castro MJ, de Lamas C, Picáns R, Couce ML.Effects of Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplementation on Lactase Deficiency and Lactose Intolerance: A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials.Nutrients. 2020 May 20;12(5):1487. doi: 10.3390/nu12051487.MedlinePlus.Lactose Intolerance.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of lactose intolerance.
Lomer MC.Review article: the aetiology, diagnosis, mechanisms and clinical evidence for food intolerance.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015;41(3):262-275. doi:10.1111/apt.13041.
Hodges JK, Cao S, Cladis DP, Weaver CM.Lactose intolerance and bone health: the challenge of ensuring adequate calcium intake.Nutrients. 2019;11(4):718. doi:10.3390/nu11040718.
Ibba I, Gilli A, Boi MF, Usai P.Effects of exogenous lactase administration on hydrogen breath excretion and intestinal symptoms in patients presenting lactose malabsorption and intolerance.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:e680196. doi:10.1155/2014/680196.
Baijal R, Tandon RK.Effect of lactase on symptoms and hydrogen breath levels in lactose intolerance: A crossover placebo-controlled study.JGH Open. 2020 Dec 1;5(1):143-148. doi:10.1002/jgh3.12463.
Catanzaro R, Sciuto M, Marotta F.Lactose intolerance: an update on its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.Nutr Res. 2021;89:23-34. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2021.02.003.
Di Costanzo M, Berni Canani R.Lactose intolerance: common misunderstandings.Ann Nutr Metab. 2018;73(Suppl 4):30-37. doi:10.1159/000493669
National Institutes of Health’s Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center.What people with lactose intolerance need to know about osteoporosis.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020-2025.
Forsgard R.Lactose digestion in humans: intestinal lactase appears to be constitutive whereas the colonic microbiome is adaptable.Am J Clin Nutr.2019;110(2):273-279. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqz104
Misselwitz B, Butter M, Verbeke K, Fox MR.Update on lactose malabsorption and intolerance: pathogenesis, diagnosis and clinical management.Gut. 2019;68(11):2080-2091. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318404
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Diagnosis of lactose intolerance.
Ianiro G, Pecere S, Giorgio V, Gasbarrini A, Cammarota G.Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases.Curr Drug Metab. 2016;17(2):187-193. doi:10.2174/138920021702160114150137
Lohrenz SK, Kanani A.The cow’s milk allergy that wasn’t: allergy to supplemental oral lactase enzyme.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2023 Jul 14;19(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s13223-023-00809-z.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Treatment for lactose intolerance.
Ibrahim SA, Gyawali R, Awaisheh SS, et al.Fermented foods and probiotics: an approach to lactose intolerance.Journal of Dairy Research. 2021;88(3):357-365. doi:10.1017/S0022029921000625
Leis R, de Castro MJ, de Lamas C, Picáns R, Couce ML.Effects of Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplementation on Lactase Deficiency and Lactose Intolerance: A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials.Nutrients. 2020 May 20;12(5):1487. doi: 10.3390/nu12051487.
MedlinePlus.Lactose Intolerance.
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