What does lactase do

Fortunately, the majority of people with lactase deficiency never develop symptoms of lactose intolerance. Lactase supplements taken before meals may help these individuals consume more dairy, allowing them meet their dietary calcium needs, as well as help them overcome symptoms of lactose intolerance. However, there is at least some debate about the supplements' effectiveness among patients.

Despite the benefits of lactase supplements, there remains a paucity of research evidencing their effects. Although scientists agree that the supplements are safe, there has not always been consensus on how well they work.

According to a study in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences , lactase supplements showed clear superiority in alleviating lactose intolerance compared to the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri. The day study involving 60 adults showed that a single lactase supplement, taken 15 minutes before a meal, was better able to normalize lactose metabolization as measured by a lactose breath test than a day course of L.

Moreover, lactase supplements were better able to alleviate key gastrointestinal symptoms, especially gas. Despite the positive findings, a study in BioMed Research International reported significant variability in the response to lactase supplementation. Of the 96 adults given a lactase supplement, only This suggests that other factors may contribute to the inability to metabolize lactose or, alternately, that other types of lactase may be needed to metabolize lactose in certain people.

Lactase supplements themselves cannot improve bone health directly. But because they can help lactose intolerant people eat more dairy without consequence, they can make it easier to consume adequate amounts of calcium. This, of course, can help build and maintain healthy bones while reducing the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis. According to a study in the journal Nutrients , when those with lactose intolerance avoid or cut back on dairy, they are at risk for bone loss and fractures.

But intolerance itself does not significantly affect adults' ability to absorb calcium the same is true for lactase deficiency. Everyone—including those with lactose intolerance—are recommended to consume three servings of dairy a day. Lactase supplements can help you get there.

Lactase supplements are considered safe and well-tolerated with no known side effects. However, people with diabetes need to use lactase supplements with caution. Once ingested, lactase is broken down into simple sugars that can increase your blood glucose level. While this may not cause any significant problems, it is important to check your blood sugar 20 to 30 minutes after taking a dose just to be sure. On rare occasion, lactase supplements have been known to trigger allergic reactions.

In one reported case, a woman who handled lactase supplements for her children but never took them herself experienced a severe, whole-body allergy known as anaphylaxis.

Call or go to your nearest emergency room if you develop hives, rash, shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat after taking a lactase supplement. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to shock, coma, respiratory or heart failure, and death.

Lactase supplements should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding as there is not enough information to ensure their safety. It is also unknown if lactase supplements can interact with other medications or supplements. In addition to capsules and chewables, lactase supplements are sold in powder and drop forms.

These can be stored safely at room temperate in a sealed container. Never use a supplement past its expiration date. The standard dose is 6, to 9, international units IU taken immediately before a meal containing dairy. Others have a lot of stomach trouble and need to avoid all dairy products. Many foods, drinks, and digestive aids are available to help manage lactose intolerance.

Normally, when we eat something containing lactose, an enzyme in the small intestine called lactase breaks it down into simpler sugar forms called glucose and galactose. These simple sugars are then absorbed into the bloodstream and turned into energy. In lactose intolerance, the body doesn't make enough lactase to break down lactose. Instead, undigested lactose sits in the gut and gets broken down by bacteria, causing gas, bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

Lactose intolerance is fairly common. Kids and teens are less likely to have it, but many people eventually become lactose intolerant in adulthood. Some health care providers view lactose intolerance as a normal human condition and not a disease or serious health problem. Lactose intolerance can cause a variety of symptoms. It all depends on how much dairy or milk-containing foods people consume and how little lactase their body makes.

If you might have lactose intolerance, the docto will ask your symptoms and diet. They might test the breath for hydrogen levels before and after you drink lactose. Normally very little hydrogen gas is detectable in the breath. But undigested lactose in the colon breaks down and makes various gases, including hydrogen.

If you have a hydrogen breath test, you'll blow into a tube for a beginning sample. Then you'll swallow a drink with lactose in it, wait a while, and breathe into the tube again. He or she can suggest other foods to be sure you get enough calcium. You may need to take calcium supplements. Children with lactose intolerance should be seen by a healthcare provider. Children and teenagers need dairy foods. Lactose intolerance can affect you every time you eat a snack or meal.

So you need to be careful about the foods you eat every day. However, many people can tolerate a certain amount of lactose and don't need to completely avoid it. Lactose is often added to some boxed, canned, frozen, and prepared foods such as:. Call your healthcare provider if you have trouble managing your symptoms. Some symptoms can be embarrassing. Your healthcare provider can work with you to help keep them under control.

Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What is lactose intolerance? Lactose intolerance is not the same thing as having a food allergy to milk. What causes lactose intolerance? Here are some common causes of this condition: Lactose intolerance often runs in families hereditary. Symptoms may start during the teen or adult years.

In some cases, the small intestine stops making lactase after an injury or after a disease or infection. Some babies born too early premature babies may not be able to make enough lactase. This is often a short-term problem that goes away. In very rare cases, people are born with an inability to make any lactase at all.

These cells, called intestinal epithelial cells, have finger-like projections called microvilli that absorb nutrients from food as it passes through the intestine so they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Based on their appearance, groups of these microvilli are known collectively as the brush border.

Lactase functions at the brush border to break down lactose into smaller sugars called glucose and galactose for absorption. At least nine LCT gene mutations cause congenital lactase deficiency, also called congenital alactasia. In this disorder, infants are unable to break down lactose lactose intolerance in breast milk or formula. The LCT gene mutations change single protein building blocks amino acids in the lactase enzyme or result in an enzyme that is abnormally short.