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LACTASE
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Lactase saves you from lactose intolerance… |
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LACTASE |
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| Some dairy alternatives include soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk and they're all just as tasty... or better! |
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What is it and how does it work?
Lactose is a sugar found in milk that consists of two sugar subunits linked together. Lactase is a digestive enzyme that is responsible for cleaving the bond between the simple sugar subunits. This allows the sugar to then be absorbed through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. As infants, the gene expressing lactase is turned on in many of our intestinal lining cells to allow us to digest our mother's milk. |
As we grow and stop breastfeeding, these genes often get turned off. In some people, the enzyme is no longer produced at all. It is estimated that 75% of the world's population is deficient in lactase. Without sufficient amounts of this enzyme in the intestine, people are unable to properly digest dairy products. This results in a condition known as lactose intolerance.
Lactose Intolerance
This condition results in a set of uncomfortable digestive symptoms whenever dairy is consumed. It is hallmarked by the inability to properly digest the lactose in dairy products due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase. Our body can only absorb single sugar units through our digestive tract lining. Since lactose is a disaccharide, meaning it is made up of two linked sugars, it cannot be absorbed without first being cleaved into subunits by lactase. As such, when a lactose intolerant individual consumes lactose, it passes along the GI tract where it has one of two effects. First, some lactose is digested by certain bacteria in our guts that use chemical reactions to break down the sugar, which unfortunately also result in the production of gas. While bacteria digest some lactose, the rest will continue traveling through the GI tract unable to be absorbed. While passing, it causes irritation of the lining and draws water from the body tissues, causing cramping and loose stools. Because of these two effects combined, people with lactose intolerance can have nausea, gas, cramping, and diarrhea when they ingest dairy products. Supplementation with lactase prior to eating diary generally eliminates these symptoms. A simple glucose hydrogen breath test can be used to check for lactose intolerance with your healthcare practitioner.
Dairy Sensitivity
Some people have problems digesting milk, even when sufficient lactase is present. These people will not benefit from lactase supplementation, and will only stop having digestive symptoms when diary is removed from their diet entirely. This condition is called "dairy sensitivity" and represents a food intolerance. Although the symptoms may be similar, dairy sensitivity involves an immune reaction to the proteins in the milk products, instead of the sugar. It is imperative that dairy be removed from the diet of these people to prevent systemic inflammation and the development of chronic disease.
Dairy Alternatives
Dairy does not just include cow's milk. Goat and other animal milks still contain high levels of lactose. For those unable to eat animal dairy, there are a number of dairy alternatives available on the market. Milk alternatives are: soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and nut milks (such as almond milk), amongst others. Cheese, yogurt, and ice cream alternatives are also easily available in most supermarkets. Lactose intolerant individuals can also purchase animal milk pre-treated with lactase as an alternative.
Probiotics and lactose
Some probiotic strains can help with lactose digestion in people with lowered levels of lactase. Species that have been studied for benefit are some Lactobacilli (L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, and reuteri), although generally mixed-strain probiotic formulations provide the most benefit to digestion. In general, supplementation of probiotic helps to weed out gas-producing bacteria in the intestines, but is not as successful as lactase supplementation for lactose intolerance.
How do I take lactase?
Lactase supplements come in liquids, pills or capsules that are swallowed prior to ingesting a meal containing lactose. The typical dose of lactase is 6000-9000 FCCLU tablets, although dose can vary widely depending on your size and your own lactase production levels as well as the amount of lactose ingested.
Reading labels
Showing an amount of enzyme by weight is not pertinent information on a supplement label as it is the enzyme's activity that is important and is independent of weight. Supplements may show FCCLU (food chemical codex lactose units), LacU/LU (lactase units), on the label. These refer to enzymatic activity, with FCCLU being the best, standardized unit. |
LACTASE – QUICK
FACTS
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SOURCES
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Purified enzyme extracted from yeast or bacterial sources. |
APPLICATIONS
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Lactase insufficiency and lactose intolerance.
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OPTIMUM DOSAGE
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· Generally 6,000-9,000 FCCLU chewed and swallowed prior to a meal containing lactose, although dose may vary by person.
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WORKS WELL WITH
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A reduced dairy diet.
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
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Lactase has not been tested for safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.. |
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copyright National Nutrition 2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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