In the absence of digestive enzymes, digestion is incomplete and food remains in the intestine.

The same is true of lactase deficiency, which can cause very unpleasant symptoms if it is missing or insufficient.

Fortunately, this problem is relatively easy to solve.

To treat lactose intolerance (sensitivity), you can either avoid dairy products or take the enzyme that breaks down lactose.

What is the enzyme lactase?

Lactase, also known as lactase flourising hydrolase, is an enzyme found in the small intestine of mammals whose main function is to catalyse the breakdown of lactose (milk sugar) into glucose and galactose.

How does the enzyme lactase work?

It breaks down milk sugars into simple sugars, including glucose and galactose, so that they can be easily absorbed by intestinal epithelial cells and enter the bloodstream.

What are the causes of disability?

There are 4 main causes

• Congenital lactose intolerance: This is a rare condition in which the enzyme lactase is not produced in the small intestine of the newborn.
• Primary lactose intolerance is manifested by a decrease in lactase production in people as they age. This decrease is often greater in societies where dairy products are not part of the normal diet and lactase disappears from the small intestine after weaning.
• Secondary lactose intolerance can develop as a result of taking certain medications or as a result of chronic inflammation of the small intestine caused by irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease or celiac disease. Secondary lactose intolerance is only temporary if it is caused by intestinal parasites or pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal flora.

Why is lactase deficiency bad?

A deficiency of the enzyme lactase causes unpleasant symptoms.

A lack or reduction in the amount of the enzyme lactase can lead to lactose intolerance because lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose, also known as milk sugar.

If lactose is not broken down, it reacts in the large intestine with bacteria from the intestinal flora, causing gastrointestinal symptoms.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance include severe cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, excessive gas and bloating.

Lactose intolerance should not be confused with milk allergy, which can be much more serious.

What can be done about lactase deficiency?

If you have primary lactose intolerance, taking lactase enzyme supplements or changing your diet can help.

Most people with lactase deficiency can tolerate small amounts of dairy products.

Secondary deficiency can be treated by treating the original condition that caused the intolerance.

Another option is to eliminate dairy products from the diet and the symptoms will disappear.

Some people use lactose-free milk or milk alternatives such as soy or rice milk.

Does Greek yoghurt contain lactose? No. While a cup of plain milk contains about 12 grams of lactose, 170 grams of Greek yoghurt contains only 6 grams. The whey is extracted, so it is thicker and contains less sugar.

Among the probiotic bacterial strains that make up the intestinal flora are bacteria (such as Lactobacillus acidophilus) that produce the enzyme lactase.

For this reason, in the case of lactose intolerance, it is recommended to boost the microbiota by taking symbiotics, including prebiotics and probiotics. They also help to restore the health of the intestinal lining, which is essential because damage to the lining can lead to secondary intolerance.

Health benefits

Clinical research into the benefits of lactase has found that it can prevent and reduce bloating, hydrogen production in the gut and relieve wind cramps in people with reduced lactase production.

Reduced activity of the enzyme produced in the intestines can contribute to diarrhoea and other intestinal changes.

Research also suggests that lactase may play a role in reducing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Taking supplements containing lactase may reduce adverse reactions such as indigestion.

Scientists are trying to understand the relationship between genetics and the digestive system.

Many children and infants suffer from chronic diarrhoea, colic and bloating.

The enzyme lactase has been used in a number of clinical trials and has shown significant efficacy in treating difficult-to-treat gastrointestinal conditions.

This research has also shown a clear link between the use of digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, such as lactase, and the successful treatment of gastrointestinal disorders associated with enzyme deficiency.

For this reason, lactase may be a remedy for people with digestive problems.

What is a lactase enzyme tablet made of?

Most supplements containing lactase are made from a compound called beta-galactosidase, which is produced by fermenting the fungi Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus oryzae.

Beta-galactosidase is often included in broad-spectrum digestive enzyme supplements, including vegan products.

Lactase enzyme dosage

It is best to take lactase before meals.

Supplements containing lactase are usually sold in the form of capsules, chewable tablets or powder.

The standard dose of lactase enzyme is 6,000 to 9,000 FCC, to be taken before a meal containing milk.

It is always advisable to start with a low dose and gradually increase it.

Other studies suggest that taking less than 3,000 FCC (5 grams) can significantly improve the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

There is no single dosage, the dose required varies from person to person and according to the conditions of lactose intake.

It is therefore recommended to gradually increase the dose according to individual needs, depending on the amount of lactose present in the food consumed.

When is lactase recommended?

Supplements based on the enzyme lactase should always be taken before eating foods containing milk. Take according to the recommended dosage.

Are there any side effects of the enzyme lactase?

Lactase supplements are considered to be safe and well tolerated, with no known side effects.

However, diabetics should take them with caution, as the lactase tablet they take breaks down into simple sugars, raising blood sugar levels.

It is important not to confuse lactose intolerance with milk allergy.

Lactose intolerance is not an allergy and can develop at any age.

It can be caused by a condition that secondarily reduces the secretion of lactase, such as Crohn's disease.

Temporary intolerance can also be caused by various viral diseases.

In the case of milk allergy, milk proteins can cause life-threatening allergic reactions that cannot be cured by taking lactose.

Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, including rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or difficulty breathing.