Overview

Lactase is an enzyme. It breaks down lactose, a sugar in milk and milk products. Some people's bodies do not make enough lactase, so they are not able to digest milk well, which can lead to diarrhea, cramps, and gas. This is referred to as "lactose intolerance." Taking supplemental lactase can help break down lactose.

People use lactase for lactose intolerance. They also use it for excessive crying in infants (colic) and growth and development in preterm infants, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work ?

People who are lactose intolerant have trouble digesting the milk sugar lactose. Lactase is an enzyme that splits the milk sugar lactose, to produce the sugars glucose and galactose.

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.

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Excessive crying in infants (colic). Early research suggests that adding lactase to formula or breastmilk might decrease the amount of time that a baby with colic cries.
  • Growth and development in premature infants. Early research shows that adding lactase to formula or breastmilk does not increase weight gain in preterm infants.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Lactase is LIKELY SAFE for most people. It is available as an over-the-counter, nonprescription product in the US.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Lactase is LIKELY SAFE for most people. It is available as an over-the-counter, nonprescription product in the US.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Lactase is LIKELY SAFE when used appropriately with lactose-containing foods.

Children: Lactase is LIKELY SAFE when used appropriately with lactose-containing foods.

Allergies: Exposure to lactase might cause allergic reactions in some people.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for LACTASE overview.

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:
  • For inability to properly digest the sugar lactose (lactose intolerance): 6000-9000 international units (IU) of lactase as chewable tablets has been taken at the start of a meal that contains lactose. 2000 IU of a solution, added to 500 mL of milk immediately before drinking, has also been used. 13,500 food chemical codex (FCC) units of lactase 5 minutes before a meal that contains lactose has also been used.
Next
View References

You Might Also Like

IBD and People of Color: Diet and Wellness Tips
How to Lower Your Chances of Getting Crohn’s Flares
New to Crohn's? Things You Need to Know
The Role Gut Bacteria Plays on the Overall Body
View More

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.