Overview

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, the sugar in milk. Some people don't make enough lactase and are unable to digest lactose well on their own.

Lactase splits lactose to produce the sugars glucose and galactose. People who are lactose intolerant can experience cramps, diarrhea, and gas after consuming milk products.

People use lactase for lactose intolerance. It is also used for colic, growth and development in preterm infants, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Effective for

  • Inability to properly digest the sugar lactose (lactose intolerance). Taking lactase by mouth before consuming milk or milk products helps digest lactose, a milk sugar. This prevents symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, and gas in people with lactose intolerance.
There is interest in using lactase for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Lactase is likely safe for most people when used with lactose-containing foods. It's usually well-tolerated.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Lactase is likely safe for most people when used with lactose-containing foods. It's usually well-tolerated.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Lactase is likely safe when taken by mouth with lactose-containing foods.

Children: Lactase is likely safe when taken by mouth with lactose-containing foods.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for LACTASE overview.

Dosing

Lactase has most often been used by adults in doses of 6000-9000 IU by mouth before meals. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.